Method for maintaining cleanliness of animal water dispensers

ABSTRACT

An animal water bowl assembly is maintained clean by allowing a bowl to dry out after a use period, before refilling. Uses include: birdbath and pet and farm animal watering. Two bowls can be coordinated so that one is in use with water while one is drying out. A two-faced assembly with oppositely facing bowls can automatically coordinate the steps for the two bowls. The process of filling a bowl, allowing it to be used, emptying it, filling another, allowing it to be used while the first dries out, can be automated with an actuator and a controller. An animal water bowl assembly has at least two bowls, with means for coordinating the filling and use and drying steps. As an example, a two faced bowl is rotatable around an axis. An electronic controller opens a valve to provide power to a hydraulic actuator, which flips the two faced bowl to empty the first and present the second for filling. Filling with water occurs automatically, also using water from the hydraulic source. Many versions only require a user to set a duration on a controller, during which time hydraulic power is provided, which duration is sufficient to flip and fill the two bowls of an assembly. Flipping and filling occur automatically at the right times. A user interface has a single valve, and a single cycle. The user sets a period for activation, and the duration that power is provided. More than two bowls can be used. Electromechanical, rather than hydraulic power can be used to actuate the assembly.

This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/258,947, filed onOct. 26, 2005, which is a continuation of a U.S. application Ser. No.10/921,780, filed on Aug. 19, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,665 B2,which is a continuation of U.S. application, U.S. Ser. No. 10/339,167,filed on Jan. 9, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,533 B2, and claims thebenefit of those earlier applications. The entire disclosure of thoseapplications are hereby incorporated fully herein, by reference.

The inventions disclosed herein will be understood with regard to thefollowing description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, where:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows schematically in flow chart form a method for maintaining abirdbath bowl relatively free of contaminants;

FIG. 2 shows schematically in flow chart form a method for maintainingat least two birdbath bowls relatively free of contaminants, with one ofthe bowls always being available for use by birds;

FIG. 3A shows, schematically, a birdbath bowl, deployed for use;

FIG. 3B shows, schematically, a detachable birdbath bowl, as shown inFIG. 3A, positioned to dry out, and not available for use;

FIG. 4A shows a two-bowl birdbath pedestal, each bowl having a removableplug to allow water to drain out, with one bowl shown full, and theother shown draining;

FIG. 4B shows a two-bowl ground supported birdbath pair, each bowlhaving a removable plug to allow water to drain out, with one bowl shownfull, and the other shown draining;

FIG. 5A shows, schematically, a two-bowl birdbath pedestal, in whicheach bowl is mounted to the pedestal by a hinge, that can be released toallow the bowl to empty out, and hang to dry;

FIG. 5B shows, schematically a bowl cantilevered from a pedestal;

FIG. 6 shows schematically a sequence of states of a two-faced bowl,that is initially full, then is lifted, tipped, emptied of water,flipped to provide the other bowl facing upward, and then ready forfilling of the now upward facing bowl;

FIGS. 7A-7C show schematically, a three-bowl birdbath apparatus, from aside view, showing (FIG. 7A) a full bowl (FIG. 7B) emptying and rotatingand(FIG. 7C) the next bowl being filled;

FIGS. 8A-8C show schematically a side view of a three-bowl apparatuswith a catch mechanism, where the FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C corresponding intime to the state of the bowls shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C,respectively;

FIG. 9A shows schematically, a two-faced bowl, such as shown in FIG. 6,mounted in a pedestal having a yoke through which the bowl can pass toflip;

FIG. 9B shows schematically a split two-faced bowl, having four modules,split to allow flipping of the split bowl past a pedestal;

FIG. 10A shows schematically a set up allowing manually flipping atwo-faced bowl;

FIG. 10B shows schematically a set up allowing manually flipping a watersource from a first bowl to a second bowl, to simplify emptying andfilling two bowls;

FIGS. 11A-11G show schematically a two-faced bowl, arranged initiallywith one side * concave facing upward (FIG. 11A); then tipped up aroundone end of a diameter (FIG. 11B); stood with the diameter vertical (FIG.11C); spun around the diameter (FIG. 11D); and tipped downward (FIGS.11E and 11F) to present the opposite side ** concave facing-upward (FIG.11G);

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation showing an apparatus that supportsand flips a two-faced bowl at the end of a long arm;

FIG. 13 shows, schematically, in a perspective view a fully automatedapparatus that lifts and flips a two-faced bowl and returns it to beready for use, with a cam bearing assembly, located on the same end ofan axle as a piston;

FIGS. 14A-14G show schematically a fully automated apparatus similar tothat shown in FIG. 13 that lifts and flips a two-faced bowl 180°, andreturns the opposite surface ready for use, with a cam assembly beinglocated on the opposite end of the axle from a piston assembly;

FIGS. 15A-15E show schematically the apparatus shown in FIGS. 14A-14G,from the opposite (cam assembly end) side elevation, with correspondingFIGS. 14A, 15A, etc. showing identical stages of the sequence, with 15Ecorresponding to 14E, 14F and 14G;

FIG. 15F shows schematically, an apparatus similar to that shown inFIGS. 15A-15E, except that the cam assembly is a sliding cam assembly,with a unitary oblong follower rather than two separate followers, in anorientation corresponding to that shown in FIG. 15C;

FIG. 16 shows, in flow chart form, steps that are taken in a method ofsetting an automated apparatus, setting flip and fill together;

FIG. 17 shows schematically, a user interface that can be used to set anautomated apparatus using the method shown in FIG. 16;

FIGS. 18A-18E show schematically, in cross-sectional view, a rotaryactuator that can use water pressure to flip a two-faced bowl, having arotary vane, with FIG. 18A showing an initial stage with no waterpressure, and the axle in a first position, FIG. 18E showing the vanereturning to the initial position, with no water pressure and the axlerotated through 180°, and FIGS. 18B, C and D showing intermediatestages;

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective rendition of an embodiment of anautomatically flipping and filling bowl assembly, that is relatively lowto the ground;

FIGS. 20A, B and D are partial schematic cross-sectional renderings ofan embodiment of a low profile apparatus such as shown in FIG. 19 with afluid supply that actuates bowl tilting and flipping in series;

FIG. 20C is a partly cross-sectional and partly perspective rendition ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 19B, to show a bowl assembly rotating;

FIG. 21 is a partial schematic cross-sectional rendering of a variationof a low profile apparatus similar to the apparatus shown in FIG. 19with a fluid supply that actuates bowl tilting and flipping in parallel;

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a pedestalmounted bowl assembly that simultaneously tips upward and rotates arounda diameter;

FIG. 22A is an enlargement of a portion of the transmission of FIG. 22;

FIGS. 23A-23D are schematic cross-sectional representations of a pistonand cylinder drive mechanism, suitable to drive the tipping and rotatingapparatus shown in FIG. 22; and

FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic cross-sectional representations of a twoposition control valve, suitable for use with the cylinder drive shownin FIG. 23A-23D.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

Birdbaths are common items that are known and used in many designs. Theyprovide a supply of water that is important to birds, both to drink andto bathe. Birds continually visit birdbaths. Observing these visitsbrings satisfaction to many people.

Birdbaths are available in a variety of functional and ornamentalstyles, from simple, naturalistic stone or wood to colorful elaboratesculptures. The typical birdbath includes at least one bowl for holdinga quantity of water, arranged so that birds can bathe in the bowl andalso drink from the bowl, a pedestal to support the bowl above groundlevel and a means to support and stabilize the pedestal where it makescontact with the ground. A birdbath bowl can be a vessel of any shape orconfiguration that has a concave area that retains water. It istypically helpful that the shape be not so deep as to provide a dangerof drowning, although, this is not always the case. Many baths do notinclude a pedestal, but rather, rest on the ground. Most of nature'sbird-bathing facilities are at ground level.

For a birdbath to provide an adequate supply of fresh and clean water,the bowl that holds the water must be kept relatively clean, and thebowl must be filled with a new supply of water regularly.

Keeping a birdbath bowl clean is difficult and complex. Birds regularlyvisit muddy and other unclean locations and then bathe in birdbaths,bringing contaminants to even the tidiest bowl. For instance, robinstake a bath in dust to eliminate insects, and then visit the birdbath.In all birdbaths, contaminants including bacteria, algae, viruses,feathers, excrement, leaves, twigs, insects, pollen, dust and otherforeign and potentially harmful substances enter the water after only afew days. Contaminated water in a birdbath can spread disease and harmbirds in other ways. Therefore, birdbaths should be cleaned often toensure that their bowls and water are free of contaminants.

The contaminants often form a tenacious film, or layer of materialadhered to the birdbath surface, especially if the surface is leftunclean and wet for even short periods of time. This problem may beexacerbated with bowls that are textured or porous. Contaminants andstagnant water also may provide a breeding ground for harmful or pestinsects such as mosquitoes, which are of particular concern duringoutbreaks of diseases, such as the West Nile virus.

Cleaning involves successful removal of foreign contaminants that haveentered the birdbath bowl. Then, the birdbath is refreshed (refilled)with a new supply of water. Doing both functions in sequence ensures anabundance of clean, safe water for the birds.

Current methods of cleaning involve manual scrubbing and/or spraying orusing chemicals to control and remove contaminants. Many bird watcherswould prefer not to introduce chemicals to water intended for birdssince they may cause unforeseen harm to birds. Moreover, not manybirdbath chemicals exist and those available are expensive.

Most people do not provide the maintenance necessary to removecontaminants and to ensure a plentiful supply of fresh water. A birdbaththat has a design that minimizes the need for user upkeep, would bebeneficial, whether it is semi-automated to reduce user involvement, orfully-automated to completely eliminate user upkeep.

The primary focus of this disclosure is birdbaths. However, there areother types of liquid containers that present similar maintenanceissues. For instance, it is fairly common for dog and cat owners toleave a filled water bowl outside, typically on the ground, or on a lowsupport, for the pet to access when outside. This might be usedroutinely, or while the owner is away from home, at work, etc. Suchbowls are subject to most of the water fouling agencies that also foulbirdbaths. Only the bird bathing problems are absent, but, in fact,birds may even bathe in such pet supply bowls, in which case, all of theproblems are present. The inventions described herein with respect tobirdbaths can also be used in connection with pet water supply bowls.

In addition to domestic pets, other animals are supplied with water bybowls that remain generally in place for days, and must periodically becleaned and replenished. Such other contexts include zoo animals,animals housed in kennels, and many farm animals. In general, largeranimals require larger containers, sometimes shaped more like a deeptrough, than a bowl. The inventions described herein can also be usedwith such zoo, farm, and kennel type water containers.

Furthermore, there are other liquid containers that retain liquid forsome time, typically outdoors, but also indoors. These include:decorative fountains and water features for gardens and landscapedesigns, certain vessels used in laboratories and manufacturingprocesses, etc.

Known designs for birdbaths have included many types of so calledself-cleaning baths.

Frequent Drying out Maintains Cleanliness of Water Bowls

It has been determined, as an aspect of an invention disclosed herein,that it is advantageous to provide a period of time during which thebowl that contains the water is able to dry, preferably, completely sothat no liquid remains. Drying out the bowl prevents algae and othercontamination from getting started. If complete drying is not possible,it is beneficial to achieve partial drying to a degree that algae andother persistent growths are reduced. If the bowl surface is not allowedto dry before being refilled, the fresh source of water in the bowlprovides an environment and possibly nutrients needed by the algae andother contaminants for their continued persistence, growth and spreadingon the bowl's surface. Not only does such adhered material present aproblem in its own right, but it also provides a mechanical substrate,or foundation, upon which additional material can take hold, thus,further increasing the problem of adhered contaminants.

The water in the bowl can be removed from the bowl through any effectivemanual, semi-automated or automated dumping movement of the bowl ordraining action upon the bowl. Evaporation of a full bowl from naturalcauses is not a part of the inventions—it is typically not fast enoughto be effective for emptying the bowl. (Evaporation of the residue ofadhered water after a mechanical dump or drain is part of the inventionsdisclosed herein.)

Various aspects of methods and apparatus suitable for periodic fillingand drying are discussed herein, as aspects of inventions disclosedherein.

In a rudimentary form, an invention disclosed herein is a method formaintaining a birdbath essentially free of adhering contaminants. Itincludes the steps of filling the bowl, allowing it to be used, andthen, emptying out the bowl completely and allowing it to partially orcompletely dry. This empty time allows the bowl to completely, or atleast, partially dry, thereby interrupting the process that allows algaeand other contaminants to develop and adhere. After this drying period,the bowl is filled again and redeployed for use.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of this method, showing the bowl statesand beginning with the step of providing 2 a full bowl. The bowl thencycles through the following set of steps and states. The full bowl isallowed to be used 4 by the birds, eventually leading 6 to a dirty bowlcontaining some water. By dirty, it is meant not pristine. Contaminantsmay reside in the water, free of the bowl surface, or, may be startingto adhere to the surface. The next step is to empty out 8 the bowlleaving 10 an empty bowl with a wet surface. The empty bowl is allowed12 time for the surface to dry. The now 14 empty and sufficiently drybowl is then filled 16 with water resulting 18 in a full bowl. Then, tocomplete the cycle, the bowl is allowed to be used 4 again by the birds.

It is preferable for the step of allowing 4 the bowl to remain full notto last long enough for contaminants become strongly adhered to thebowl.

With this rudimentary method, while a single bowl is drying out, thebirds have nothing in which to bathe, or from which to drink. Starting 2with the bowl in the full stage 18 is arbitrary. The drying state 14 orany of the other states could equally be considered the starting statefor the process.

Using Two Bowls Ensures that One is Available for Use

Thus, it may be advantageous to provide at least two bowls, so thatwhile one is drying out, the other is full and deployed, and vise versa.Thus, the birds are never deprived of water during the period of timeany one bowl is drying. FIG. 2 shows this second method schematically,showing two birdbath bowls, a first bowl* (star) being provided 2 with afull bowl of water and another bowl** (double star) being provided 103empty. Each birdbath bowl (star and double star) cycles through the samestates as in the rudimentary method described above and shownschematically in FIG. 1, but the state of the second bowl** is offsetfrom the state of the first bowl* at any given point in the cycle. (Thestates and steps applied to the second bowl** are indicated by referencenumerals that are offset by 100 from the reference numerals thatidentify the steps and states for the first bowl*.)

The first bowl* is full and is allowed to be used 4 by the birds whilethe other bowl** is empty and allowed 112 to dry out. After the firstbowl* has become 6 dirty and still contains some water, the other bowl**is empty and has become 114 dry. The first bowl* is emptied out 8 whilethe other, empty bowl** is filled 116. The first bowl* is then empty andwet 10 as the other bowl** becomes 118 full. The first, empty bowl* isallowed 12 to dry out, while the other bowl** is full 102 and allowed104 to be used by the birds. The first, empty bowl* becomes 14sufficiently dry during the period the other bowl** and its waterbecomes 106 dirty. Next, the first empty bowl* is filled 16 as the otherbowl** is emptied out 108. Finally, the first bowl* is full 18 while theother bowl**, though still wet, becomes empty 110 before the bowls cycleback to the states of the first bowl* full and allowed 4 to be used bythe birds while the other bowl** is empty and allowed to dry out 112.(The designation first and second, or other are entirely arbitrary,being used for discussion purposes only, and the process is totallysymmetric relative to the two bowls. They are equivalent.)

The changes from one stage or step to the next need not occur preciselysimultaneously for the two bowls. All that is required is that atsubstantially all times, one bowl is available for bird use, and thateach bowl remains empty for a time that is long enough for the surfaceto dry. Thus, there may be a time period during which both bowls arefull, but there should not be a significant time where both are empty.

The second method can readily be generalized to three or any largerplurality of bowls, by the person of ordinary skill in the art, andthese combinations are also considered to be aspects of inventionsdisclosed herein.

Some experiments have been done in Massachusetts, USA at an inlandenvironment. These have shown that moderately frequent cycling, forinstance, even as infrequently as emptying, drying, filling, once perday, prevent any significant growth, and results in significantly lessgrowth and adherence of contaminants, as compared to a control bowl keptconstantly full.

It is also possible to add a heating element embedded within the bowl,such as are used in baths designed to be used during the winter infreezing climates, to accelerate drying of the surface.

Bowl Configuration Variations

The methods described above can physically deploy and cycle the birdbathbowls in many and various mechanical and geometrical combinations, someof which, by way of example only and not to be considered limiting, arediscussed below.

FIG. 3A shows a simple single birdbath bowl set-up that uses arudimentary one-bowl method. A pedestal 26 and ground support 20 isshown with a bowl 22 that is readily detachable and re-attachable to thepedestal 26. The user detaches and empties the bowl 22 and hangs thebowl, as shown in FIG. 3B, from the pedestal 26 using a hook 24 that canattach to a location on the pedestal 26 to allow drying. The bowl couldalternatively be placed anywhere during this drying period. The userthen re-attaches the bowl 22 to the pedestal 26 and refills the bowlwith water. Alternatively, after emptying, the bowl could be returned toits concave facing upward position to dry, however, the user may findthat in some circumstances, the lack of constantly available water willprevent birds from becoming used to the bath as a reliable water source.Choice among the alternatives could depend on how sunny and humid theweather is, which would have opposite effects on drying time. Choicemight also depend on the user's aesthetic preference or yardarrangement.

FIG. 4A shows a pedestal structure 30 used for maintaining twoindependent birdbath bowls 32*, 32** up off the ground. The bowls 32*and 32** are always maintained in an upright configuration in thisgeometry. A hole 34*, 34** and a plug 36*, 36** is provided in each bowlto allow the user to empty each bowl in turn to dry while the other bowlis full and in use. However, rather than using the hole and plug methodfor draining the bowls, each could be flipped and hung or replaced, asshown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4B shows two independent birdbath bowls 42*, 42** on or near to theground, essentially as ground supported low profile baths. The bowls 42*and 42** are always maintained in an upright configuration in thisgeometry. A hole 44*, 44** and a plug 46*, 46** is provided in each bowlto allow the user to empty each bowl in turn to dry while the other bowlis full and in use. However, rather than using the hole and plug methodfor draining the bowls, each could be flipped and tilted to dry orreplaced, as shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5A shows a pedestal 46 and two independent birdbath bowls 72* and72**. Each bowl is attached by a hinge 78*, 78** to the pedestal. Onehinge is unlocked (78**, as shown) and its bowl 72**lowered, while theother hinge 78* is locked with its bowl 72* in the upright, concaveupward facing, in-use position.

FIG. 5B shows a pedestal 126 from which a two-faced bowl 122 iscantilevered. It has two back-to-back bowls 122* and 122**. The bowl 122can rotate around the axis A. The bowl can be flipped manually,automatically or semi-automatically.

Rather than a simple pedestal, as shown, a hanger support can beprovided from which the bowl is suspended. Of course, ultimately, such ahanger needs to be supported by the ground, such as by a rooted tree, orportion of a building (for instance a house, or other structure. Thus,even hanging supports are versions of spatially extended pedestals).

FIG. 6 shows an integrated back-to-back double-bowl design. The twobirdbath bowls 53 and 54 are integrated into a unitary structure 52,with one bowl on each side of the structure, facing away from eachother. The structure is simply lifted and flipped over, placed back onits pedestal 26 and the new concave upward-facing bowl 54 filled withwater while the new concave downward facing bowl 53 is allowed to dry.Drying may be facilitated by providing openings 57 in the pedestalsupport 26 for air flow. This simple design reliably and effectivelyaccomplishes all the state transitions described in the two-bowl methodabove (FIG. 2). Any suitable mechanical fittings can be used tofacilitate a removable unitary bowl, with reliable replacing. Matingnotches and tabs can be provided, or a central socket in the bowlportion, into which the end of the pedestal fits. The socket can beblind-ended, or open the whole way through from one concave face to theother.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show schematically, in a cross-section, a three-waybowl apparatus, in which each of the three bowls 722*, 722**, 722*** isoffset from each other in a one-hundred-twenty degree triangularorientation. This geometry provides increased drying time for the twobowls 722**, 722*** that are not in use. This and similar geometries canreadily be extended to any number of bowls. The bowls face away from anaxis, around which they rotate. This geometry also facilitates arelatively simple mechanism for bringing the next bowl 722** to upright.

The assembly is mounted on an axle 760, allowing rotation in thedirection shown with the arrow R. The bowls are shaped and placed suchthat each respective center of gravity 721, even with the top bowl onlypartially filled, is laterally offset from being directly above the axle760, about which the bowls rotate. As shown, each bowl 722*, etc., isdeeper at the end that will fall when the assembly of bowls rotates.This will cause the assembly 722 of bowls to rotate, when a catch isreleased.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C show a generic catch. (FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are shownfrom the opposite end of the axle 760 as are FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C,respectively.) A spring loaded pin 762 fits within a slot 761* of aplate 763, to prevent rotation of the bowl assembly 722. The pin 762 iswithdrawn by a mechanism that is not shown, when it is time for thebowls to advance. When the pin 762 is withdrawn, the entire three bowlassembly 722 rotates in the direction of the arrow R, with enoughmomentum to bring the next bowl 722** into the upright position. The pinis urged to return to its stopping position, by action of the spring,into the slot 761** that corresponds to the next bowl, 722**, and stopsthe three-bowl assembly from continuing in its rotation in the directionR. Then, the currently upright bowl 722** is filled through a conduit789 and made available for use, and the others 722* and 722*** are inposition to dry out.

The three bowl assembly is symmetrical around the axle 760, so that whenthe next bowl 722** is upright and filled, the center of gravity 721 ofthe assembly 722 remains positioned as shown in FIG. 7A, and thus, whenthe pin is withdrawn again, after a predetermined time, the entire bowlassembly again rotates in the direction of the arrow R.

Rather than a spring loaded latch, the catch can be any suitablemechanism, including a cam and cam follower mechanism, which may itselfbe spring loaded.

The three bowls can be supported cantilevered from a pedestal, forinstance as shown in FIG. 5B, with the axle 760 coinciding with axis Aof FIG. 5B. Or, it could be supported by a pedestal having a yoke, asshown in FIG. 9A, or by any other suitable support.

Rather than three bowls, any plurality of bowls can be used, includingtwo, four or five, which are expected to be the most common. In eithercase, the bowls are shaped so that they can be arranged with a combinedcenter of gravity that is offset laterally from the axle around whichthey rotate. For instance, if more than three bowls are to be used, theplan shown in FIG. 7A is simply expanded such that the four or five, ormore bowls of roughly the same shape as shown in FIG. 7A are distributedaround the perimeter evenly. If two bowls are used, they each have adeeper section and a shallower section, or their masses are distributedsuch that they are heavier toward one edge, and they are placed back toback. The same result will occur, as occurs with three bowls, asdiscussed above.

Pedestal Orientations

Pedestal orientations can likewise be in one of many forms andvariations. FIG. 5B shows a single offset pedestal 126. The pedestal 126is completely to one side of the bowls 122* and 122**. FIG. 6 shows asingle center pedestal 26.

FIG. 9A shows, schematically, a yoke pedestal 66 in which the pedestalis split into two branches 67 and 69 and attaches to the bowl structure62 on opposite ends of its outer diameter. An axle 65 supports the bowl,allowing the bowl to rotate around the axle. Either bowl face 64 or 63can be arranged concave facing upward. A crank 61 is provided tofacilitate manually flipping the bowl 62.

FIG. 9B shows a single center pedestal 76 with the bowl structure 72split through the center of one of its axes at the point of attachmentto the pedestal 76. The bowl halves 72′ and 72″ each have back-to-backfacing bowls, with corresponding bowls 74′ and 74″, which are both shownconcave facing upward, and 73′ and 73″, which are both shown concavefacing downward. They are arranged on an axle 75, analogous to themounting of the bowl 62 in FIG. 9A. A handle can also be provided, butis not shown. The two halves 72′ and 72″ can be mounted so that theyrotate together, thus providing two semi-circular bowls that are full atthe same time, and drying at the same time. However, they could bedecoupled, so that each bowl is filled and emptied at a different time,thus providing a four bowl series, with overlapping but staggeredperiods of being in use and drying.

Basically, FIG. 9A shows an embodiment where the pedestal is designed tomake way for the bowl to pass through it and FIG. 9B shows an embodimenthaving a bowl that is designed to make way for the pedestal to passthrough it.

Bowl Shaft that Swings Around End

The foregoing has described two-faced bowls that are coupled to a shaftsuch that they switch position when the shaft rotates around its axis ofelongation. As shown schematically with reference to FIG. 12, it is alsopossible to couple a pair of bowls 520 to a shaft 563 that rotates aboutan axis A through one of its ends 527, which axis A is perpendicular tothe shaft's axis E of elongation. The return can either be in reverse ofthe initial swing, or a continuation in the same direction for anadditional 180 degrees. This configuration would typically require muchmore power than an embodiment where the shaft rotates around its longaxis, due to the longer lever arm through which the mass of the bowlsand contained water is carried.

Bowl Emptying and Advancing Actions

Typically, a bowl is emptied, and another bowl is advanced into positionfor use. A very advantageous method to do this is to have a compoundbowl assembly, that flips from one bowl to the next. Bowl flippingaction, if present, can be manual (non-automated), semi-automated orfully-automated. Typically, there must be some way to provide forclearance between the bowl, and its support. Either can be split, asshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Or, they can be translated, relative to eachother.

FIG. 6 shows a lift and flip action. These actions can be either manual,or automated, semi, or fully-automated.

FIGS. 11A-11G show an embodiment where the bowls tilt up, spin and tiltdown to return. A bowl 1122 has two sides, * and ** (star and doublestar). A support 1126 tips the bowl 1122 up around an axis T, until adiameter D is nearly vertical, or vertical (FIG. 11C). The tippingaction tips the diameter of the bowl up, essentially around an axis Tthat passes through one of its ends. The bowl is then spun (FIG. 11D)around the diameter D, which is at the time, vertical so that theoriginally concave upward side * is now facing back toward the support1126. The bowl 1122 is then tilted back downward (FIG. 11E and 11F) in areversal of the tilting up action, such that the originally concavefacing downward side ** is now facing upward. Surface ** is dry andready to be filled for use.

To return the originally concave facing upward side * to concave facingupward, the motions are reversed, with the bowl 1122 spinning in theopposite direction from that it was originally spun. Alternatively, themechanism can always spin in the same direction. Such a mechanism can berelatively straightforward (developed along well-known principles), butwould likely includes many parts. One such embodiment is discussed inmore detail below, in connection with FIGS. 19 and 20A-20D. Advantagesof this embodiment are that the bowl does not require a yoke pedestal,or a split bowl. It can be used for a bath or bowl that is essentiallysupported on the ground and has a relatively low profile.

The actions are described above as serial. First the bowl tips up, aboutone end, then it spins around a diameter. It is also possible that thesetwo actions occur simultaneously. The bowl rotates around a diameterwhile it tips up (as discussed in connection with FIG. 22 below). It isalso possible for the bowl to continue to rotate as it tips down. Suchan embodiment is discussed below, in connection with FIG. 12.

Filling Actions

Before a dried-out bowl can be used again, it must be filled. Fillingaction can also be manual, semi-automated or fully-automated. FIG. 10Ashows a semi-automated filling action. A hose attachment 270, with asimple faucet or nozzle fixture 272, is located conveniently above thedeployed, in-use bowl. The two-faced bowl 222 may be flipped around itshorizontal axis, as indicated by the arrow F, to alternate between afirst bowl 253 and a second bowl 254. Water is supplied from a supplyhose 276. (The embodiment shown is generic, and the geometry that allowsflipping is not shown. Some accommodation like a yoke, or a split bowl,as shown in FIGS. 9A or 9B respectively, must be provided).

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, two independent bowls 222* (lefthand side) and 222** (right hand side) can be used. The bowls candrained or emptied by flipping them. The faucet nozzle 272 can swing ona hinge from one bowl 222* to the other 222**, as shown by phantomlines.

After the bowl flipping (FIG. 10A) or nozzle swinging (FIG. 10B) actionhas been completed, the operator simply turns on the faucet 274 to fillthe appropriate bowl. In effect, a hose 276 is connected to the birdbathand turns it into a faucet extension.

FIG. 5A shows a semi-automated embodiment that takes advantage of thepedestal 46 as a support and hiding place for water supply plumbing. Afitting 71 connects to a water source (not shown). Water is provided tothe fitting, either manually or through a timer device, 71, from whichit passes up through a conduit 77 (shown in phantom) within the pedestalhousing, and out through a nozzle 79* at the top of the pedestal andthen into the waiting bowl 72*. There is also a nozzle 79** provided forthe other bowl 72** when it is in place. When the bowl 72** is notdeployed, the spouting water arcs harmlessly over it. Alternatively, avalve can be coupled with each nozzle 79* and 79** that blocks thesupply water from reaching the drying bowl.

FIG. 9A shows a similar arrangement where water is supplied through ahose 81, up through a conduit 83 (shown in phantom) within the pedestalbase and arm 67, and out through a nozzle 89. A controller 85, such as aconventional garden timer, can be used to provide semi-automatedfilling. If a mechanism is provided to flip the bowl automatically, thenthe entire process is automated.

Automation

The foregoing described emptying, flipping (advancing) and fillingactions are all advantageous in adding to the process of preventing andremoving adhered contaminants, thereby keeping birdbath bowls clean.They are relatively reliable, inexpensive, can be aestheticallypleasing, simple and easy to operate. However, unless automated, theyall depend on user interaction. Further, the operator must be physicallypresent. None of these possible actions will provide the desiredsanitary advantages if the operator forgets, is absent, infirm, orotherwise unable to physically empty the bowl(s). Flipping is a specificaction, that both empties a full bowl, and advances an empty bowl to aposition for use. That may be as the result of turning over a two-facebowl, or rotating through a section of a bowl having three or morefaces.

Therefore, full automation of the emptying, flipping and filling actionis desirable and has advantages beyond ease of use. Automatic flippingaction ensures dependable, reliable and regular drying. The automatedflipping action must be able to rotate the bowl structure and recognizethe position to stop when the dry, soon to be filled bowl, is in a levelposition. The throw of the actuator used to perform the flip should notneed to be precise to make it work reliably.

The source of power for the bowl flipping action can be either electric,hydraulic, pneumatic, any other suitable source, or a combinationthereof. Electric options include, but are not limited to, a motorpowered by a battery or other D/C source such as solar cells, or astandard home voltage level A/C power line. Safety for the operator mustbe ensured with all electrically powered options. Hydraulic poweroptions use the water pressure in the water supply line connected to thebath to provide the flipping action. House water power is particularlyattractive for driving the bowl emptying action, because it is alsoneeded to replenish the bowl. Also, it is relatively powerful,inexpensive, safe, environmentally benign, and robust.

Specific embodiments that perform bowl flipping automatically arediscussed below, along with the general principles that they illustrate.

Timing Control Of Flipping and Filling Actions

A fully-automated embodiment of a birdbath must provide automaticcontrol mechanisms for transitioning to each of the states described inFIG. 2. The control mechanisms determine the frequency of the statetransitions and the duration each bowl is maintained in each state. Thistranslates into the timings of emptying a bowl and filling a replacementbowl.

The time for state transitions could be determined either via timers, orvia sensors and actuators, or combinations thereof. A design thatprovides these control mechanisms fully via hydraulic methods ispossible and is explained below. Likewise, control mechanisms fully viamechanical methods are possible. However, some kind of electroniccontroller is typically desirable for at least some of the controlactions. Any such electronic controller could be battery, house line,solar powered or combination thereof, and could be located local to thebirdbath, or distant from the birdbath, either external or internal tothe nearest building structure or integral with or separate from othercomponents of the bowl support and manipulation structure. Such acontroller is described below, after description of additionalembodiments. The controller can also be incorporated into the pedestal,or other support structure of the apparatus.

Cam Assembly Simultaneous Lift and Flip Apparatus

A particularly useful embodiment is shown with reference to FIGS. 13,14A-14G, and 15A-15E. It will reliably flip a two-sided bowl and willnot get hung up midway through the process. In summary, the apparatususes a linear piston actuating a bell crank to rotate an axle that flipsa two-faced bowl. The bell crank needs to rotate the axle through only alittle more than 90°, after which the bowl continues to rotate, whilethe bell crank remains still. A one-way clutch couples the bell crank tothe axle. A cam assembly, such as a roller cam or sliding cam assembly,provides stability at only two rotational positions, and introducesinstability everywhere else, so that after the rotation through slightlymore than 90°, the axle continues to rotate until it stops at one of thetwo stable positions.

The initial discussion refers specifically to FIG. 13, which is aperspective view with the double-faced bowl in partial cross-section. Itmay be helpful to also refer, at this time, to FIGS. 14A-14G and15A-15E, which are idealized, schematic figures. In most cases, theelements shown in FIG. 13 have reference numerals that are offset byplus one thousand from analogous elements shown in FIGS. 14A-14G and15A-15E.

A piston rod 1382 is housed in a cylinder 1384. The piston rod iscoupled to a bell crank 1380 that is coupled through a one-way clutch1383 to an axle 1381. The three elements of cylinder, rod and crankconstitute the principal components of an actuator for this embodiment.As discussed in more detail below, the clutch can also be present inother places along the drive train. A bowl assembly 1322, shown inpartial cross-section, has two faces 1354 and 1352, with face 1354 shownconcave facing upward. The bowl assembly is fixed to the axle to rotatewith it. The axle is constrained by a linear bearing 1393, at its endnear to the bell crank 1380. At the other end, distant from the bellcrank, the axle is constrained in a relatively loose bearing 1392. A camassembly 1396 having two cam followers 1395 and 1397, is fixed to rotatewith the axle 1381 and the bowl assembly 1322.

The figures in the FIG. 14A-G set and the FIGS. 15A-E set show a similarembodiment, in an idealized schematic representation. A difference isthat the cam bearing assembly and the piston assembly are on oppositeends of an axle, rather than on the same end. Thus, with reference toFIG. 14A, a bowl assembly 322 has two back-to-back bowls, with one bowl354 shown concave facing upward and the other bowl 352 shown concavefacing downward. The bowls are rotationally fixed to an axle 381, andare able to spin around an axis A (FIG. 12) that runs through the axle381, but in one direction only, as indicated by the curved single headedarrow S (FIG. 14B). A one-way clutch 383 of any suitable design, iscoupled through its output side to the bowl, as described below. Theinput side of the one-way clutch is coupled to one end of a bell cranklinkage 380.

A piston rod 382, riding within a cylinder 384, is coupled to the otherend of the bell crank 380. These three elements constitute the principalcomponents of an actuator for this embodiment. The cylinder is poweredthrough a supply line 1386, typically hydraulic, and typically water.

Returning to FIG. 13, during a power stroke, the piston rod 1382 isdriven outward, in the direction of the arrow P, causing the bell crank1380, both input and output portions of the locked one way clutch 1383and the axle 1381 to rotate around the axis A in the direction of thearrow S. The bowl assembly 1322 is coupled to the axle and rotatesaround the axis A in the direction of the arrow S. Water that isretained in the concave upward facing bowl 1354 pours out of the bowl.

A relatively loose socket 1392 secures one end 1391 of the axle 1381, sothat the axle can rotate around the axis A, and also so that the axle1381 can tilt around that end 1391, for reasons explained below. Theloose socket may also be described herein as a wobbly bearing. A frame1393 provides a channel 1394 in which the other end 1399 of the axle 381is loosely captured. The end of the axle 1381 can move linearly alongthe length of the channel 1394 (up and down, as shown in FIG. 13),generally perpendicular to the axis A, and also from side-to-side asmall bit. Thus, the frame 1393 also provides a linear bearing for theaxle 1381. The vertical freedom is needed only on one end of the bowlaxle. The axle will tilt, but lift only on one end.

The bowl assembly 1322 carries a pair of protruding elements 1395 and1397 which, together with the bowl, constitute a cam follower of a cambearing assembly 1396.

If the protruding element is a fixed non-rotating post, then itconstitutes a cam follower of a sliding cam assembly, which is forced toslide along the support plate 1362, which constitutes a cam surface. Ifthe protruding element is an axle, around which a rolling sleeverotates, then the rolling sleeve constitutes a cam follower of a rollercam assembly. The plate 1362 constitutes the cam surface in either case.In the following discussion, the cam assembly is referred to as ageneric cam assembly, which is meant to include both roller and slidingcam assemblies, and any other suitable cam-type mechanism.

Each cam follower has two bearing regions. For fixed posts, the bearingregions are the outer semi-cylindrical surfaces that face away from eachother. For rolling bearing, the bearing regions are the entire outersurface of each rolling bearing.

The piston arm 1382 extends under the pressure of the working fluid(most conveniently, water), and rotates the end of the bell crank thatis attached to the piston, around the axis A, which in turn forcesone-way clutch 1383, which locks and forces the axle 1381 and thus bowlassembly 1322 around the axis A, in the direction of the arrow S. Suchrotation tips the bowl (into the page, as shown) to empty it. However,the axle 1381 is also linked through the bowl 1322 to the post 1397 ofthe dual post cam assembly 1396.

Thus, as the piston arm extends, the bowl assembly 1322 also rotatesaround the axis A, and the post 1395 translates toward the frame 1393upon the support plate 1362 as the axle 1381 is forced around by thepiston. The support plate 1362 under the post 1395 constrains the postsuch that it can't rotate around the axis A, unless at least one end ofthe axis A itself moves upward. Thus, the torque on the axle 1381results in lifting one end of the axle 1381 upward, along the channel1394 of the linear bearing 1393. As the piston arm extends, the bowlassembly is supported vertically by the post 1397 on its bearing region,and by the axle 1381, which is in turn supported by the locked one wayclutch 1383, which does not permit rotation of the bowl assembly in thedirection opposite to the arrow S, the crank 1380 and the piston arm1382.

It is helpful to now consider FIGS. 14A-G and 15A-E for the remainingportion of the cycle. As mentioned above these figures depict anapparatus that is similar to that shown in FIG. 13. The major differenceis that the apparatus shown in FIG. 13 has the piston and cam assemblyon the same end of the axle 1381, while that shown in FIGS. 14A-G and15A-E has them on opposite ends of the axle 381. Reference numerals inFIG. 13 (whenever possible) are offset by plus one thousand fromreference numerals shown in FIGS. 14A-G and 15A-E, for similar items.

At a point, shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, the bowl 322 is tipped to adegree that the water 390 pours out, thereby emptying the currentlyconcave upward facing bowl 354. The bowl can be sculpted with a sort ofspout or several spouts, to direct the emptied water where desired.

As shown in FIGS. 14C and 15C, the piston arm 382 extends further, untilit has pushed the center of gravity of the combined bowl 322 and camassembly 396 far enough away from a vertical line V through the axle381, such that the combined assembly will continue to move (under theinfluence of gravity) in the direction of the arrow S. The assembly ofcomponents is not restrained from falling, because the one way clutch383 slips and does not prevent rotation of the bowl assembly in thedirection of the arrow S. The type of clutch schematically illustratedin FIG. 14A-14F may be referred to as an “eccentric lobe one-way clutch”shown with a pair of diametrically opposed eccentric lobes. Thus, thebowl assembly 322 is free to rotate relative to the bell crank 380 inthe direction of arrow S. The bowl and cam assembly posts continue torotate in the direction of the arrow S, until portions of the bearingregions of both cam follower posts 395 and 397 of the cam assembly areagain in contact with the cam surface support plate 362 (FIG. 15E).

The reason that the combined bowl and cam assembly falls is that beyondvertical, it is all being supported by the bearing region of the lowercam follower, for instance, 395, as shown in FIG. 15C. Before the camassembly had rotated to vertical, it was supported vertically by acombination of the cam follower 395, and the torque in the directionopposite the arrow S, provided by the locked clutch, that does notpermit rotation in the direction opposite the arrow S, and the actuator,which is forcing the axle to rotate in the direction S. The combinedassembly is not supported vertically by the axle 381 alone. Once theupper cam follower is sufficiently beyond vertical, the combinedassembly simply falls forward in the direction that it has been pushed,causing the axle 381 to continue its rotation in the direction S.

After the bowl assembly proceeds to the next horizontal position, asshown in FIGS. 14E and 15E, the piston rod 382 and bell crank 380 alsoreturn to the starting position, by essentially reversing steps, asshown at FIGS. 14F and 14G. The one way clutch slips, as the bell crankmoves in the direction opposite to the arrow S.

During the portion of the cycle that the piston rod 382 is extending,shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, the angle between the bell crank 380and the bowl 322 (for instance as represented by a line H that is midwaybetween the two faces) remains constant. This is because the one-wayclutch 383 locks and requires that the bowl assembly rotate with thebell crank. However, after the bowl assembly passes the vertical, asshown at FIG. 14C, the angle between the bowl and the bell crank is nolonger constant. It increases until the bowl assembly stops movingbecause the cam followers 395 and 397 are both resting against thesupport cam surface 362. The one-way clutch slips and permits thisrelative motion. Thus, when the piston rod and bell crank return to thestarting position, the one-way clutch slips and permits such motion,without disturbing the bowl position.

The one-way clutch, the axle, the bowl, and a bell crank 380, can becoupled to each other in various ways. The following is required. As thecrank 380 rotates in the direction S, around axis A, it drives the bowlassembly 322 in the same direction, until the bowl assembly has rotatedthrough approximately 90°, and a bowl diameter is approximatelyvertical. The bowl assembly continues to rotate beyond vertical in thedirection S until it is horizontal again with the opposite concavesurface facing upward. The crank 380 reverses direction and returns toits starting position, either simultaneously with the continued forwardrotation of the bowls, or after they have become horizontal, or inbetween. Thus, the locked clutch permits the bowl to move only indirection S, relative to a stationary crank. The axle 380 can berotationally fixed to the bowl assembly 322, in which case, the clutchcouples the crank to the axle. Or, the axle 381 can be rotationallyfixed to the crank 380, in which case, the clutch couples the axle tothe bowl assembly.

The roller cam assembly shown in FIG. 15A is exactly analogous to thecam assembly shown in FIG. 13. There is a difference however, in thatthe cam assembly shown in FIG. 12 is located at the end of the axle 1381that is near to the piston and bell crank assembly, whereas in theembodiment shown in FIG. 15A, the roller cam assembly is at the end ofthe axle that is distant from the piston assembly. Either is possible,and FIG. 13 is provided, in part, to show this same-sided variant. FIG.14C and FIG. 15C, depict the same apparatus, at the same time in acycle, from opposite ends of the axle 381. By comparing these twofigures, it can be seen that one end of the axle translates up and down,in the linear bearing (shown in FIG. 15C) and the other end remainsessentially fixed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 14C.

Turning to FIG. 15F for a moment, FIG. 15F shows a variation of a camfollower assembly. FIG. 15F does not show another moment in the cycle,otherwise illustrated by FIGS. 15A-15E. In FIG. 15F , rather than twoseparate elements, the cam follower is a unitary, oblong element 2396,having bearing regions 2395 and 2397, which serve the same purpose asthe posts 395 and 397. The cam follower assembly shown in FIG. 15F is inthe same configuration as is the cam assembly shown in FIG. 15C.

The bearing 392 is relatively loose to allow the axle 381 to tilt awayfrom horizontal, as the end that carries the cam follower (sliding orroller) is pushed up by the cam. The piston and crank may returnimmediately after the bowl has been delivered to a position from whichit will continue its rotation. However, it is advantageous for them toremain fully extended while the bowl fills, as shown in FIG. 14E. Anattractive place to locate a fill opening 365, shown in FIG. 14E (1365shown in FIG. 13) is in the end of the cylinder 384. As explained below,the full travel of the piston and rod 382 uncovers a pass-through hole365 that allows water to exit the cylinder and pass through a suitableconduit, such as a hose 389 into the concave upward facing bowl 352 FIG.14E (1354 as shown in FIG. 13,=). At the end of the fill cycle, adeformed spring (inside cylinder 384) retracts the piston 382 such asshown in FIG. 14D and re-cocks the bell crank 380. The spring may, forinstance, be inside the cylinder 384. This is possible, because when theclutch 383 slips, it allows rotation reverse of the arrow S for the bellcrank, relative to the axle 381. The spring constitutes a returnelement. Any suitable form of return element can be used, includingsprings of various types (coil, torsional, leaf, etc., either extendedor compressed, etc. Rather than a physical stored energy return element,such as a spring, gravity can also be used to return the bell crank toits initial position. Similarly, electronic and other forms of energystorage elements can be used, instead of mechanical.

With reference to FIG. 14E, the discharging cylinder 384 expels theworking fluid. For instance, the cylinder may be slightly leaky, suchthat after the power stroke fills the cylinder with water as a workingfluid, the water leaks out, allowing the piston to return to itsrelaxed, start position, as shown in FIG. 14G. In the outdoorenvironment, where water is being intentionally poured onto the groundto empty the bird bath, the relatively small amount of leakage from thecylinder is not a drawback. This leakage also helps to prevent freezedamage.

As is evident, as shown in FIG. 14A, before the process begins, one bowlface 354 is in use, full of water, and concave facing upward.Simultaneously, the other bowl face 352 is concave downward, and isdrying out. After the piston extension and bowl fall, as shown in FIG.14E, the other bowl face 352 is now facing concave upward, and is readyto be filled from a water source 372 by any suitable means, typicallyautomatic, as discussed below. The recently emptied bowl face 354 is nowconcave facing downward, and is in position to dry out.

Thus, the piston arm must push the bowl through a rotation of onlyslightly greater than 90°, for instance between about 91° and about110°, preferably between about 95° and about 100°, to ensure that thecenter of gravity of the bowl and cam assembly is sufficiently beyondvertical to overcome any friction in the joints and between thesupporting cam follower and the support cam surface plate 362, so thatthe whole assembly falls forward in the direction of the arrow S. Thecam assembly 398, one-way clutch and support plate 362, insure that thebowl assembly goes through a repeat cycle of approximately 180°, no more(because the support plate and cam prevent over rotation); and no less(because the one-way clutch can not prevent the assembly from fallingonce it has passed sufficiently past vertical).

The working fluid supply 386 can be normal house water pressure, whichis typically at least thirty psi (approximately 200,000 Pascals). Thiswould be sufficient, for instance to flip a typical concrete birdbath,holding about one to three gallons of water, using a one-inch piston. Ingeneral, ample power is available for operating any likely flipping andfilling mechanism.

A plastic birdbath weighs less, and would be lifted with less pressure,or a smaller piston diameter.

The clutch can be any suitable one-way clutch, such as, but not limitedto, a roller locking clutch, a vane clutch, or ratchet-like clutch.

The design provides a mechanism that is stable only in two places of thecycle, each of which corresponds to one of the two bowls facing upward.The driving mechanism does not have to make an exact 180 degree move,but only requires a move of 90°, plus a small overthrow. It recognizesnominal level relatively easily, and robustly, simply due to a camfollower resting on a support after falling through its rotation. Infact, a principal reason for the cam and the linear bearing assembliesis to provide this robust, mechanism to ensure that the mechanism stopswhen it is substantially horizontal. Thus, there is no need for theactuator throw to be just right to stop the bowls at the level position.It is also possible to use any other mechanism that ensures rotationthrough approximately 180°, with a sure stop at near to horizontal, andwithout getting hung up.

The hydraulic driver assembly 384 and the cam assembly 396 can be onopposite ends of the axle A, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15B. Or they canbe on the same end of the axle A, as shown in FIG. 13, shown as cylinder1384 and cam followers 1395 and 1397. Placing them on opposite ends maymake the flip axis vertical movement easier to accommodate.

It is helpful in some circumstances if the cam surface 1362 issubstantially horizontal at its ends, where the cam followers came torest, and then also trough or U-shaped at its mid-span. If so, then thepiston need not rise so high, because, when it is at its extreme neededto push the bowl beyond its mid-travel point, the low-position camfollower is in the trough of the cam surface. For this version, it isnecessary to make sure that the falling center of gravity has enoughmomentum to continue the rotation.

FIG. 13 shows an axle 1381 that passes through a full diameter of thebowl assembly 1322. The axle couples the bowl assembly to the pedestal1366, and also transmits torque from the bell crank assembly 1380 to thebowl assembly 1322. It is not necessary that there be an axle throughthe full diameter. Instead, the bowl can be provided with relativelyshort posts, aligned with each other, that extend outward. Or, one orboth ends of the bowl can have sockets, into which an axially aligned,inward extending short post fixed on the pedestal fits.

The entire assembly may be supported on a pedestal 1366. The figuresshow an embodiment that is convenient to explain. But, for instance, theframe elements 1367, 1369 could be fashioned to simulate branches ortwigs. The pedestal can be made in the form of a tree stump. The pistonhousing can also be fashioned to simulate branches of a tree. The armsof the pedestal yoke can form the arms of a human figure, the fingers ofa large, human hand, etc. A multitude of other motifs are also possible,as a designer will appreciate.

Rather than using a linear piston coupled to a bell crank to transducelinear motion into rotary motion, a rotary actuator can be used coupledmore directly to the bowl shaft. A suitable hydraulic rotary actuator isdescribed below in connection with FIGS. 18A-18E. Alternatively, anelectric motor could be coupled to the shaft. The motor must be furtheraccommodated to rotate the shaft reliably through 180°. This can be donefor instance by using a dc motor, or an ac motor with appropriateelectromechanical controllers to ensure that the bowls come to rest in ahorizontal position. For instance, a regular DC motor could be used witha “kill switch” that cuts the power when the bowls reach horizontal. Or,the motor can over rotate beyond 180°, but can be connected to the axlethrough a clutch that disengages the motor after the axle has rotated180°. The motor would then shut off. Or, as shown, the motor couldprovide rotation through slightly more than 90°, beyond which a clutchwould disengage the motor from the axle, allowing the bowls to advanceto 180°, with the motor stopping by other control means. The designer ofordinary skill will be able to apply the principles explained herein tovarious configurations of power supply and transmissions.

Control and User Interface

For the birdbath to be fully automatic, the driver supply 386 (FIG. 14E)to empty and advance the bowls and the bowl water refill supply must beprovided automatically from a nozzle or other source 372. The automationcan be handled by use of a controller 363, with a drive supply valve(within the controller, not shown, under control of a suitablyprogrammed programmable mechanism 367 and a port 365 in the cylinder384, as discussed above. The mechanism can be electronic microprocessorcontrolled or fully mechanical (analogous to a mechanical wind-up clock,with an alarm).

An invention disclosed herein is the realization that it is veryconvenient for the controller to be a single valve controller, with onlyone cycle (on/off pair) for each corresponding bath cycle of flip, filland rest, until the next flip. It is further convenient if the cycle canbe set by a user simply setting a period between successive cycles, andthen a duration for water to be on for each cycle. The apparatusinventions disclosed herein can accommodate such a convenient controlscheme.

The controller can use similar components as the now common garden watertimers, which have one or more cycles, having programmable startingtimes, durations and repeat parameters. The controller, if electronic,can be powered by house electric power, batteries, solar batteries andpower, or a combination of any of the three. Although it uses similarcomponents, the organization and relationship among the components isnovel.

FIG. 16 shows the steps of a method of setting up an apparatus such asis shown with reference to FIG. 14E, for instance, where the bowl isfilled by the same water supply that drives the flipping mechanism. Theuser begins 1402 set-up mode and a bowl is positioned 1404 in an in-useposition, concave face upward. The user presses 1406 a button and holdsit, which opens a valve to flip and then fill the vessel. This begins toflip the vessel and then to fill the vessel. The user releases thebutton after the bowl has been flipped and filled. The controller, inset-up mode, records, or memorizes 1408 the duration of thispress-and-hold. Thereafter, when the controlling program activates thedual-purpose flip and replenishment valve to open, it opens for thatmemorized duration, thus, relatively reliably flipping the bowl and thenfilling the bowl to the same level.

The user also sets 1412 a timer to identify the period of time beforethe bowl assembly is again flipped and emptied, and the second bowl ispositioned for use and filled. For instance, every six hours, the bowlwill flip and refill. Thus, each face will be full for six hours, emptyfor six hours, and so on, being full for two six-hour periods per24-hour period. (The full periods need not be integer factors of 24hours. For instance, each bowl could remain full and then empty for afive hour period.) The order that the controller and the user performthese steps is not critical. The fill duration can be set 1406 before orafter the drying time duration is set 1412.

The user interface shown schematically in FIG. 17 can be used with thecontroller to establish the steps shown in FIG. 16. A controller 363 ishoused within a housing 1502. The controller shown is electromechanical.Electrical power may be provided by batteries (within the housing 1502),or by an electrical line (not shown) coupled to house current, or fromanother electrical source such as a solar cell and a battery system. Thecontroller is hydraulically coupled through a faucet fitting 1507 to thespout 272 of a faucet 274, such that water passes through a conduit 1508through a water supply inlet 1501 into the housing 1502. The controllerand its output hose 1504 are hydraulically in parallel with the standardgarden hose 386. A valve (not shown) within the controller, couples thewater supply inlet 1501 to the output hose 1504, as controlled by thecontroller, for instance, at periodic times indicated by the periodindicator 1516, for a duration set by the user input by the userinterface button 1506.

A faucet replacement valve 1564 is located within the conduit 1508 andis controlled by a faucet replacement handle 1574. The state of thefaucet replacement valve 1564 is indicated by the orientation of thefaucet replacement handle 1574, which is shown in the closedorientation. The faucet replacement handle replaces the function of thefaucet handle 274, which would be lost if the controller 363 were simplyplaced in series with the standard faucet 272, without any faucetreplacement valve 1564. Thus, the valve 1564 may be set to couple thefaucet fitting 1507 though the conduit 1508 to the hose fitting 1365 andthus the garden hose 1580 and to the water supply inlet 1501 of thecontroller 1502 so that water may flow through both the hose 1580 andthe controller 1502, in parallel, simultaneously. Water flows from thecontroller 1502 to the bath through the smaller diameter hose 1504. Or,the valve 1564 can be set, through the handle 1574, to couple the faucetfitting 1507 only through the water supply inlet 1501 of the controller1502, and not through the hose fitting 1365 and the garden hose 1580.

The button 1506 is pushed and held, as described above, to initiate theset-up process and to establish the duration that the water should beprovided to the flipping and filling device. The controller memorizesthis duration. A mode ring 1512 selects among water to bath being: on,off, and automatic as described below. The ring 1512 rotates around anaxis that is concentric with it and the main body of the controllerhousing 1502, to align the indicator dots with an indicator 1514 thatremains fixed relative to the housing. When set to on, the water flowsfreely through the valve in the controller to the bath, as if thecontroller were not present. When set to off, the valve in thecontroller remains closed and water does not flow through the controllerat all. When set to automatic, the valve in the controller opens andcloses and water flows through the controller at periodic times, for aduration, according to the automatic schedule set in the controller togovern the flipping and filling of the bowl.

Thus, a valve within the controller is the valve that opens to providewater power to the bath, to both flip it and fill it. Closing the valvecuts off power to the bath assembly, until the controller next opens thevalve. The valve is not shown, but is within the housing 1502 of thecontroller.

A rest cycle ring 1516 is rotated to set the duration that thecontroller allows one bowl to rest upright and in use, while theremaining bowl(s) are drying. The user matches the desired duration tothe indicator 1514. Two possible selections, 12 hr and 24 hr are shown.However, any number of selections can be provided, such as also 6 hr and36 hr, and these selections need not be factors of twelve ortwenty-four. Of course, the more selections that are available, the morepowerful the computing capacity of the controller needs to be. Moreselections provide the user with more flexibility in balancing theamount of time that a single bowl remains in use and that the otherbowl(s) are allowed to dry.

If the user turns the main faucet handle 274 to off, then water does notreach the controller, and the bath will not fill or flip regardless ofany other settings. Thus, it may be advantageous to place a marker, oran appropriate warning on the main faucet handle to remind the user ofthis. Or, alternatively, the handle can be removed.

If the user finds that the cycles are not preventing contaminantdevelopment, the user can lengthen the period of drying, if it does notseem that the bowl is completely drying. If it is completely dryingbefore typically flipping, the user can reduce the period of time thatthe bowl remains full without emptying, thereby perhaps disrupting thegrowth of the contaminants. The user may also reduce the volume of thewater, thereby reducing drying time, and also reduce the time duringwhich water remains in the bowl, thereby reducing uninterrupted growthtime.

The duration that water power is on, is memorized by a duration memoryelement of the controller. The duration memory element may be a magneticmemory, or other suitable device, including an electronic timer, amechanical clock or an electric clock. It must simply be any device thatcan have a duration set in response to a user's pressing of a button (oractivation of another suitable user instruction element) and releasingthe button (or corresponding action of another suitable instructionelement). Similarly, the periodic timing of when to turn the water on isalso memorized by a suitable periodic memory element, including the sametypes of devices mentioned above for the duration memory element.

It is convenient if the user instruction element is a button that can bepushed, and easily held by physical pressure for the desired duration.For instance, a spring loaded button is suitable. Also possible are twoposition switches, such as toggles, or spring loaded detent pushbuttons. With these two position switches, the user must firstexplicitly move the button to an on position, and then return itexplicitly to an off position. With a simple push button, the user musthold it in the on position. The switch does not remain there on its own.

Thus, the foregoing method of operation can accomplish periodicallyflipping the bowls, and then filling each one, respectively, with asingle valve water supply, and a simple one cycle controller. Thecontroller simply turns on the water once every period, for the durationdesired, and the actuator and transmission automatically accomplishesthe flip and fill, as described above, and also with additionalembodiments discussed below.

It should be noted that the same user interface and control scheme canbe used for a lawn or garden watering system, and is not limited towater bowl assemblies. For such a watering system, the two position onand off switch is preferred to the switch that must be physically heldin the on position. This is because the duration for such wateringactivities is usually at least minutes long, and more often nearly anhour. To set such a garden watering embodiment, the user would switch iton, leave the device, and then return to set it to off. These twoactions would combine to set the duration memory. The period timer wouldbe set as with the water bowl mechanism.

Hydraulic Rotary Actuator

Any suitable actuator and transmission can be used to empty and advanceand fill the bowls. The foregoing has described a bell crank and linearpiston 382 and cylinder 384 driving mechanism. A rotary motor can becoupled to a bowl axle, such as shown in any of FIGS. 5B, 9A, 9B, andcontrolled to drive the axle around, through approximately 180°. Or, anembodiment such as shown in FIG. 13 can be used, with a rotary actuatorcoupled to either end of the shaft. If it is coupled to the end with thewobbly bearing 1392, then there need be no accommodation of the verticaltranslation of the shaft end adjacent the cam. If the actuator iscoupled to the cam assembly end, then some accommodation has to be made,such as allowing the actuator to also rise and fall or by using aflexible couple.

The hydraulic rotary actuator 678 shown in FIGS. 18A-18E can be used todrive a bowl assembly through approximately 180°, and with a simplemodification, through the 90 plus degrees that is useful for a camcontrolled embodiment as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 18A shows a restposition, with no water pressure. A housing 678 has a semi-circularcross-section, with a semi-cylindrical open region 670 inside thereof.An axle 665 is maintained in bearings to rotate therein, as describedbelow. The axle is coupled to a bowl assembly, such as a two-faced bowlassembly shown in any of the figures discussed above. Rotation of theaxle around its axis causes rotation of the bowl assembly. In a typical,gearless arrangement, rotation of the axle through approximately 180°results in rotation of the bowl assembly from a position with a first ofthe bowls concave facing up, to a position with the second of the bowlsconcave facing up. This is indicated by the change in orientation of thetriangle, from apex pointing upward (FIG. 18A) to apex pointing downward(FIGS. 18A-18E).

The axle 665 is also coupled through a one-way clutch 676 to a drivingring 667 and a vane 668. The vane is coupled to the axle 665 so that thevane can rotate around the axle through the semi-cylindrical open region670 as shown in FIG. 18B. A water inlet 669 is coupled to a pressurizedsource of water, not shown, as discussed above, such as house watersupply. The water inlet communicates with the open region 670. A wateroutlet 688 as shown in FIG. 18C also communicates with the open region670. Operation of the actuator is discussed next.

FIG. 18A shows the actuator at rest, as it would be during the time thata bowl is in use. The figures are arranged to be viewed in sequenceclockwise, starting with FIG. 18A, proceeding to 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E,because the vane 686 moves generally clockwise as the sequence proceeds.Initially, no pressure is provided at the water inlet 669. When thecontroller switches water pressure to the bowl assembly on, as describedabove, the pressurized water applies a force to the vane 668, as shownin FIG. 18B, forcing the vane around the axis that runs through the axle665 (clockwise, as shown). The one-way clutch 676 locks in the clockwisedirection, so the pressure on the vane 668 is applied through thedriving ring 667 to the axle 665, also forcing the axle to rotate aroundthe axis in the clockwise direction. As the axle 665 begins to rotate,so do the bowls (not shown) that are coupled to it.

FIG. 18C shows the situation as the water has forced the vane almostentirely through the open half-cylinder 670, approximately 180°, so thatthe vane 668 passes beyond the opening in half cylinder 670 wall to theoutlet port 688. Water within the open region 670 is thus permitted toflow through the outlet port, through a conduit (not shown) to fill thejust flipped bowl. At the same time, the relatively high pressure waterkeeps the vane 668 advanced toward the end of its travel.

FIG. 18D shows the vane pressed against a travel stop 672, which permitsthe vane to proceed approximately 180°, but no further. It isparticularly advantageous to use this type of a rotary actuator with acontroller as explained above, which maintains the water source open fora memorized duration, which duration is long enough to fully flip thebowls, and then to fill the upward facing bowl the desired amount. Whenthis time duration ends, the controller shuts off the water supply,thereby reducing the pressure within the open region 670 to ambient. Avane return spring 686 is coupled to the vane to return it to thestarting position shown in FIG. 18A, and thus constitutes a returnelement. FIG. 18E shows the vane as it is returning in thecounter-clockwise direction of arrow R, from the extreme limit of itstravel, shown in FIG. 18D, back toward the starting position.

The one-way clutch 676 couples the vane to the axle 665, such that whenthe spring 686 forces the vane and driving ring 667 to return to therest position, the clutch slips and the axle 665 does not return withthe vane. Thus, the axle, and the now flipped bowls remain undisturbed.This is indicated by the directional triangle shown on the end of theaxle 665, which remains pointing downward as it does in FIG. 18D, evenas the vane returns. Note that in the starting position, shown in FIG.18A, the triangle is pointing upward. As the vane returns to itsstarting position, it forces the small amount of remaining water in theopen region back out the inlet port 669. A valve, not shown, downstreamof this port permits the water to exit the system to the ground. Thevalve is the type of valve that is provided in most lawn sprinklersystems to drain under no pressure. A typical such valve is simply aleaky valve which is spring loaded open. But, the valve has enough flowresistance to be forced closed when the system is fully pressurized.When the pressure source is removed, it slowly leaks until the pressuredrops a bit and allows the spring to reopen—thus draining.

The rotary actuator shown in FIGS. 18A-18E merely illustrates one waythat a rotary actuator could be used with a two-faced bowl assembly. Itreliably causes the bowl assembly to flip through approximately 180°, nomore, and no less. Such an actuator, with a slight modification, couldalso be used with the cam-governed bowl assembly as shown in FIG. 13.For instance, the actuator can be coupled to the end of the shaft thatis distant from the cam assembly. Rather than rotating throughapproximately 180°, the open portion 670 of the cylinder can occupy anarc of only approximately 100°. When the bowls have passed vertical by asufficient degree, as discussed above, they will simply fall intoposition. This latter embodiment has the advantage that the throw neednot be so precisely matched at 180°, and the vane need pass through only100°.

The mechanism shown can be secured to a pedestal, so that the axle 665is horizontal, and simply bears a double-facing bowl, as discussedabove. Alternatively, the mechanism can be rotated 90°, so that theshaft is vertical, and a transmission, to which bowls are attached, canbe provided to convert rotation around a vertical axis to rotationaround a horizontal axis, to accomplish the flip.

Thus, this embodiment achieves a goal of providing a water poweredmechanism that automatically flips a two-faced bowl at appropriateperiodic times, filling the empty bowl with the same water supply. It isrobust and not prone to over flipping the bowl. It can be controlled bya single valve water supply and a one-cycle controller.

Low Profile Bowl Assembly

The automated embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is most advantageously usedwith a pedestal. This is because as the bowl flips, it must rise highenough to clear whatever is supporting it. A pedestal can have a yoke,so that the bowl need not be lifted so high, as it would need to belifted were it supported by a flat surface, such as the ground. Ofcourse, a depression could be formed in the ground, thus, essentiallycreate the geometry of a yoke, and the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 couldbe used fairly well. Modifications would also need to be made to thedriving mechanism, or it would need to be submerged also.

As has been mentioned, there is some thought that birds are attracted tobaths that have a relatively low profile relative to the ground, or aresupported by only a minimal pedestal. This is because most natural bathsare ground level pools, streams, puddles, etc. Thus, relatively lowprofile bowls are more natural. Further, as has been mentioned, a needsimilar to that of birdbath maintenance arises in connection with waterbowls for other animals, such as dogs and cats, and some zoo and farmanimals, such as pigs, sheep, goats, cows, horses and chickens. Namely,often these animal's minders leave bowls of water for the animals, whenthe minder is away for an extended time period. Such bowls also becomerather contaminated over time. Further it would be beneficial to theanimal to provide relatively fresh water, or, to replenish water thathas become depleted by consumption or spilling or evaporation. Thus, aground supported mechanism for flipping and filling a bowl has manyuses.

A mechanism that can be used for such a ground supported bowl is shownwith reference to FIGS. 19, 20A-D and 21. It uses a linear piston, alever and a hydraulic rotary actuator. The apparatus 802 has a base 821and a bowl assembly 820. The bowl assembly has a two-faced bowl, asdescribed above, with a bowl face 822* shown concave facing upward. Face822** is not shown, but is concave facing downward as shown in FIGS. 19,20A and B. FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective rendition, and FIGS. 20A,B and D are partial schematic cross-sectional renderings. FIG. 20 C ispartly in cross-section and partly perspective, to show a bowl rotating.FIG. 21 is of a related design discussed below.

A cylinder 884 resides within the base 821. Within the hollow interior870 of the cylinder, travels a piston 868. A fluid coupling hose 886couples a water supply (not shown) to the interior 870 of the cylinderthrough an inlet port 863. A valve 883 pierces the piston 868 and, asdiscussed below, at certain times, provides fluid communication acrossthe piston from one portion of the volume 870 to another. A piston rod882 is rigidly coupled to the piston 868. The rod 882 has a centralhollow 888 which also pierces the piston 868 and communicates with theopen volume 870.

The piston rod 882 is rigidly coupled to a connection arm 890, which ishinged at a hinge 885 to a lifting arm 887. The lifting arm is coupledto the base 821 through another hinge 881, about which the lifting armrotates, as described below. The lifting arm is also rigidly coupled toa housing of a rotary actuator 878, which may be similar to thatdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 18A-18E. The rotary actuator iscoupled to an axle 865, as described above, through a one-way clutch(not shown). The axle 865 is coupled directly to the bowl assembly 820,so that the bowls rotate with the axle. A conduit 889 couples the outletof the fluid rotary actuator to the atmosphere.

Typical operation of the ground-supported embodiment is as follows. Therest configuration is shown in FIG. 19. The base 821 rests on theground, or other planar support. The bowl assembly 820 rests within thebase, relatively near to flush with the surface of the ground. One bowlsurface 822* is concave facing upward, filled with water, available foruse by birds or other animals. A controller as discussed above inconnection with FIG. 17, controlled by the steps outlined in connectionwith FIG. 16, controls the bowl. It provides water at house pressure tothe unit for a predetermined duration of time, which water drives theapparatus to empty the filled bowl surface 822*, flip the bowl assembly820 to present the surface 822** for use, and fills the surface 822**with water, and then shuts off.

FIG. 20A shows, in partial cross-section, schematically, the situationat the moment that the pressurized water is provided to the apparatus.The water enters the supply conduit 886, and passes into the cylinder884, where it pushes the piston 868 against the return element spring804.

As shown with reference to FIG. 20B, the piston moves within thecylinder, to the left. The piston is rigidly connected to its rod 882,which is rigidly connected to the connection arm 890. Thus, both alsomove in the direction that the piston moves. This motion also pulls thelifting arm 880, so that it pivots around the hinge 881. The lifting armis rigidly coupled to the bowl assembly 820, so that the bowl assemblyalso rotates around the hinge 881, on the opposite side of the hingefrom the lifting arm. (Thus, the lifting arm and the bowl form a lever,with the fulcrum at the hinge 881.)

As shown with reference to FIG. 20C, the piston 868 is forced furtheralong the cylinder 884, until, eventually, it reaches the limit of itstravel. At that limit, the valve 883 is opened so that the water underpressure can pass through it, from the upstream side (to the right asshown in the figures), to the downstream side of the piston), into theregion where the compressed spring lies, around the face of the piston868, and back up through a hollow central portion 888 of the rod 882.This hollow portion is coupled to a conduit 887, which is coupled to theinlet of the rotary actuator 878 (not shown in FIG. 20C). This actuatorcan work in the same way as the rotary actuator described above. Thus,once the water under pressure is introduced to its inlet, it begins torotate, driving the axle around, and thus the bowls that are coupled tothe axle. Thus, as shown in FIG. 20C, the bowl assembly 820 has begun torotate around the axle, so that the previously concave facing downwardface 822** will become concave facing upward. It is shown about ¼ of theway around. The lifting arm 880 only needs to lift the bowl high enoughso that it has clearance above the support, to be rotated in thismanner. Thus, it need not lift the bowl as high as would be necessary toset a bowl diameter to vertical. The required height depends on thegeometry of the base, what cut-outs or reliefs it may have, etc.

Eventually, the rotary actuator passes through 180°, as described above,at which point the water under pressure passes entirely through therotary actuator, exiting through a port into the bowl fill conduit 889,as shown in FIG. 20D.

This opens the entire fluid path to ambient at the extreme downstreamend, such that the pressure on the rod face of the piston 868 no longerovercomes the spring and the gravity load of the bowl assembly, whichtogether force the piston back to the rest position, shown in FIGS. 20D.(The fluid pressure on the two faces of the piston is near to equal, dueto the pass through valve 883.) The pass-through valve is of anysuitable self-energizing type that will remain open until the durationof the filling phase of the cycle has ended. For instance, thatpass-through valve can be similar to the one described in connectionwith FIG. 24 below. Once the valve opens, the supply pressure isprovided to the valve in opposition to the return spring until anothercondition triggers shut off of the supply. Such a valve remains in anopen state until the supply pressure is removed.

The bowl and lifting arm also return to the rest position, but, now withthe opposite face, 822** concave facing upward. Water continues to passthrough the entire mechanism, including the bowl fill conduit 889,flowing into the bowl surface 822** filling it. The water shuts offafter a predetermined duration, and the apparatus is ready to remain inuse with the other bowl surface 822** concave facing upward, for apredetermined use duration, until the cycle begins again, as in FIG.20A. Water begins to flow through the bowl-fill conduit, and out itsoutlet, before the bowl is in place to hold water. This is not aproblem, because the bowl is typically out doors where water spilled onthe ground is acceptable.

As the bowl assembly has rotated with the axle, the housing of therotary actuator has not rotated, nor have the conduit 887 that suppliesit, or the bowl fill conduit 889. After the water shuts off, theactuator's moving parts return to their original resting position, underthe influence of a return spring (not shown). This occurs without thereturn of the axle and bowl assembly to its original position becausethe one-way clutch slips. A suitable location for the clutch is couplingthe internal structure of the rotary actuator, for instance, a vane, tothe axle.

This apparatus can also be controlled by a simple controller thatrequires only a single command to turn water on, and, then, after apreset duration, during which time the bowls are flipped and filled,turn the water off. Several interactions are important (but notabsolutely required) for this simplicity. The end of travel of thepiston 868 initiates action of the rotary actuator. The end of travel ofthe rotary actuator starts the bowl fill. The gravity loaded pistonretreats to its initial position, while the pass-through valve 883remains open. The rotary actuator remains open, staying at the end oftravel until the water pressure reduces to zero.

Thus, an embodiment of the invention shown with reference to FIGS. 19and 20A-D can be fully automated, and driven by house water supply toflip and fill the bowls, at a period as desired by the user. Theapparatus can be discretely supported level with the ground, and stillconveniently flipped. It will be attractive to those birds accustomed tobathing in ground level baths.

The driving mechanism is shown for illustration only, and is not meantto be limiting. There are other ways to actuate a low profile bowl,using only hydraulic power, or using hydraulic and electric power.

Simultaneous Rotating and Lifting

A second related embodiment is shown schematically with reference toFIG. 21. This embodiment is similar, except that the flipping actuator,rotary actuator 1878, is energized in parallel (simultaneously) with thelifting actuator, piston 1868, rather than in series with (after) it.Thus, the bowl 1820 begins to rotate around the axis before it has beenfully lifted. This parallel action occurs because a Y-fitting 1879splits the flow of supply fluid from the supply conduit 1886 and directsit to both the lifting piston actuator 868 and the rotary actuator 878,simultaneously, through lift conduit 1883 and rotation conduit 1879,respectively.

One Actuator Rotating and Lifting

A third related embodiment (not shown) is very similar to that justdiscussed, but it has no lifting actuator or linkage, and only has arotary actuator, such as 878. The power fluid is introduced directlyfrom a source to a sufficiently powerful rotary actuator. As the bowlbegins to rotate the point of contact between it and the ground startsat a point approximately 90° around the bowl perimeter from theactuator, and moves toward the actuator.

Forcing a point along the perimeter against an underlying support causesthe bowl to tip up at that contact point. For this to happen, the bowland actuator must be hingedly mounted to the planar support, so that thediameter can tilt upward, rotating around the hinge.

For instance, the embodiment can be similar to that as shown in FIG. 21,but without the lifting actuator 1868. The bowl is mounted to ahorizontal support upon which the concave downward facing bowl directlysits. A rotary actuator similar to 1878 provides actuation. The diameterof the bowl assembly 1820 tips up around the point of contact betweenthe bowl and the horizontal support as the bowls rotate.

In general, the low profile embodiments shown have a linear actuatorwhere the travel of the piston is essentially horizontal. This need notbe. It can be inclined. In general, the more it is inclined tohorizontal, the higher will be its profile. Thus, one may, somewhatarbitrarily, consider embodiments having an actuator that travelsbetween 0 and 45° to horizontal as a low profile embodiment, and thosewith the actuator between 45° to 135° to horizontal as not being lowprofile embodiments.

These ground level or low profile embodiments can also readily be usedto maintain fresh water in pet bowls, such as for dogs, cats, etc., andto flip, empty and refill such bowls at a frequency chosen to minimizethe accumulation of contamination. Similarly, for zoo and farm animals,the principles and designs shown herein can be adapted to provide fresh,uncontaminated water. The scale may need to be large enough to match thescale of the animals, and in some cases, higher pressures or other forceintensification design may be required. However, these are within theskill of the designer.

Sequencing of Actuator Actions

Several general considerations obtain regarding the sequencing ofactuator actions. There must be at least one actuator. One motion or itsequivalent that must be actuated is to rotate a bowl around a diameter,so that a first face that is originally concave facing upward, becomesconcave facing downward. For instance, the embodiment shown in FIG. 13employs a single actuator. Other embodiments that might use a singleactuator are those shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, and 23. (Some of theembodiments shown flip a bowl around a diameter, while the diameteritself also moves through space. For instance, the embodiment shown inFIG. 12, the bowl rotate around a diameter as the diameter moves in alarge arc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A-7C, the diameter (orequivalent, since the bowls need not be circular) moves in a circlearound the central axle 760. As it does so, each individual bowl rotatesaround that diameter, so that its concave surface is at one time facingupward, and at another, facing downward. There are other geometric waysto describe this motion, all of which will be understood to beequivalent by the person skilled in the art.)

In general, to rotate around a diameter, clearance must exist in someway, for the bowl edges that are being exchanged with each other, tomove past whatever horizontal support supports the bowl. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, 12 and 13, clearance arises due to theconfiguration of the pedestal. For low-profile, or ground level devices,such as shown in FIGS. 11A-11G, 19, 20A-20D, 21, a more complex motionis required. (The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 (discussed below) ispedestal mounted, but the pedestal has an essentially planar flatsupport surface, with no yoke. Thus, for purposes of bowl flipping, therequirements are similar to those required for a ground levelembodiment.)

For such planar or ground level configurations, one way to flip thebowls is illustrated with respect to FIGS. 11A-11G, as discussed above.The bowl assembly is tipped such that a bowl diameter becomes inclinedrelative to horizontal. When the diameter has tipped up enough toprovide clearance for the edges, the bowl is rotated around the tilteddiameter such that the edges most distant from the diameter exchangeplaces. Then, the tip-up is reversed by a tip-down.

In terms of geometric symmetries, a simple reflection around a diameter(accomplished as a rotation around a diameter) is equivalent to arotation through some angle R around a first axis, followed by arotation through 180° around the diameter, followed by a reverserotation through angle negative R around the first axis. Such compoundmotions around two axes are conveniently accomplished with twoactuators. One actuates the tilting up and down of the diameter. Theother actuates the rotation around the diameter.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 20A uses two actuators that operate inseries: one to tip the bowl assembly 820 upward so that a diameter isinclined to horizontal, and another actuator 878 to rotate the bowlsaround that diameter. The similar embodiment, shown in FIG. 21 energizesthe actuators in parallel, simultaneously, so that even as a firstpiston actuator 1868 tilts the bowl diameter upward, a second, rotaryactuator 1878 rotates the bowl assembly around the diameter. The thirdlow profile embodiment, not shown, uses a single actuator, as discussedabove, so actuator sequencing is not an issue.

In general, one invention disclosed herein is that the entire processoccurs under the control of a controller that periodically opens asingle valve for a single duration of time. If there is a singleactuator, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, then the mechanicalarrangement, for instance, a cam assembly, organizes the sequencing ofany lifting, rotating and lowering and filling. If there are dualactuators, such as one for lifting and lowering and one for rotating,then the actuators can be in series, or in parallel, operating insequence, or simultaneously. If in series, then the activation of alater operating actuator is conveniently triggered by a configuration ofan actuator that is earlier in the series. For instance, the end oftravel of a first actuator can trigger energization of a secondactuator. Or, rather than the end of travel, arrival at some other pointof travel, such as the midpoint. The fill function can also be triggeredby passage of actuator components, such as pistons or vanes, past ports,or switches. All such triggering will require tuning and balancing ofspring forces, pressures, etc.

Pedestal Mounted Simultaneous Tipping and Rotating Bowls

A pedestal mounted embodiment that illustrates a bowl assembly, adiameter of which tips up while simultaneously, flipping (rotating) thebowl around that diameter, is shown with reference to FIG. 22, FIG. 22A,FIGS. 23A-23D and FIGS. 24A and 24B.

A pedestal 426, is supported by the ground 400, or another horizontalsupport. The pedestal supports a bowl assembly 420, as discussed, havingtwo bowl faces: one, 422* shown concave surface facing upward; and,back-to-back with it, another 422**, shown concave surface facingdownward. The bowl assembly 420 is coupled through a linkage to a pistonassembly 404, having a piston 468, that is housed in a cylinder 484. Thelinkage includes a piston rod 482, coupled directly to the piston, acable 490, coupled to the rod, which cable is trained around a pulley452. A lifting arm 480 is coupled to the cable by a hinge. The liftingarm pivots around pivot pins 481 a and 481 b (not shown), which is fixed(through arms 485 a and 485 b) to the pedestal. Pivot pins are coaxial,and extend toward each other. Each is supported by a respective arm 485a, 485 b.

The bowl assembly 420 is fixed to an axle 465, so that the bowl assemblyrotates with the axle around the axle's axis of elongation. The bowlalso moves with the axle 465 as the axle pivots around the split pivotpin 481 a, 481 b. A bevel gear pair 454, is composed of an axial gear456 that is co-axial with the axle 465, and that is coupled to itthrough a one-way clutch 476. The other bevel gear segment 458, of thepair 454 is fixed to arm 485 b and remains translationally fixedrelative to the pedestal (and ground) when the bowl assembly tips up androtates around an axis. The axes of the two bevel gears intersect at apoint that would be the center of the pivot pin 481 a, 481 b if it werenot split into two segments. Thus, the bevel gears intersect at a pointon the axis along which the two pivot pins are aligned, which also liesinside the axle 465 of the bowl pair.

The axle 465 is supported by a bearing sleeve 463. The bearing sleeve isa hollow cylinder that is supported by the pivot pins 485 a, 485 b, sothat the bearing sleeve pivots around them, and carries the axle 465with it. The axle is free to rotate around its long axis, relative tothe bearing sleeve 463. The bearing sleeve 463 does not rotate aroundthe long axis of the axle.

As the bowl axle 465 is caused to tilt up, pivoting around the pivotpins 481 a and 481 b due to the tilting of the bell crank 480 alsoaround the pivot pins, the bevel gear 456 travels along the mating bevelgear 458, generally downward and to the left, as shown in FIG. 22. Thistranslation drives the axial bevel gear 456 to rotate around the longaxis of the axle 465. The bevel gear 456 is coupled to the bowl assembly420 through a one way clutch 476. The one way clutch 476 is arrangedwith a first side coupled to the bevel gear 456 and a second sidecoupled to the axle 465, such that rotation of the bevel gear 456 in afirst direction counterclockwise (as seen from the right of FIG. 22)locks the clutch and causes the axle 465 to rotate in the samedirection, and thus, the bowl assembly with it. But, the clutch slipswhen the bowls begin to descend, causing the axle 465 to tilt downward,driving the axial bevel gear in the opposite direction along its matingfixed gear portion 458 (generally back upward and to the right, as shownin FIG. 22, and rotating 476 clockwise), and thus, the axle 465 is notdriven in the opposite direction (clockwise). Thus, the bowls flip onthe way up, and stay flipped, as they move back down.

The sleeve 463 and the internal axle 465 and the pivot pins 481 a and481 b are arranged in a gimbal fashion, so that the internal axle 465and the sleeve pivot together around the pivot 481, but moveindependently in rotation around the long axis of the axle 465 anddiameter D.

The cylinder 484 has an interior region divided by the piston into apiston face chamber 470 and a piston rod chamber 471, in which thepiston 468 resides. A water supply conduit 486 is coupled to a watersupply, and to a two-position hydraulic control valve 450, shown indetail with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B. The control valve 450 isalso coupled to a bowl-fill conduit 489, a drain 487, and to the pistonrod chamber 471 of the cylinder 484. The control valve has avalve-actuating button 483. A valve trigger 479 is carried by the pistonrod. When the piston rod is near to the extreme end of its travel intothe cylinder, the valve trigger 479 pushes upon the valve actuatingbutton 483.

Within the hydraulic control valve 450, the valve-actuating button isrigidly connected to a spool valve 440. The spool valve has two slidingsurfaces 442 and 441, which divide a hollow chamber within the controlvalve 450 into two chambers, 444 and 446. The position of the spoolvalve and the sub-chambers, relative to the various conduits within thecontrol valve 450 for supply 486, bowl fill 489, drain 487 and cylinder473, determine the route that the pressurized water follows, and thus,the operation of the device, as described below. A spool valve returnspring 448 is positioned to return the spool valve 440 to a restposition if no force is applied to the actuating button 483. A passage490 hydraulically connects the bowl fill chamber 444 to a latch surface492 of the spool valve 440.

The foregoing describes the structure of the apparatus. Its operation isdescribed next.

As shown in FIG. 20, the bowl assembly 420 may have one bowl surface422* concave facing upward, at rest, and filled with water for use. Thiscorresponds with the piston 468 at the upper end of its travel, suchthat the shaft chamber 471 of the cylinder is relatively small, comparedto when the piston is at the other extreme of its travel. As shown inFIG. 23A, no water is supplied to the piston assembly 404 at this time.

The state of the control valve 450 is not crucial, because no water isprovided to the supply conduit 486 by the controller, not shown.However, it is important that the control valve has returned to itsstart position when pressure is removed, so that it is ready for thenext cycle. The water supply controller can be of the type describedabove, in connection with FIG. 17.

When the water supply controller timer reaches its set limit (e.g.twelve hours) such that it switches on the supply of water to theapparatus, the state of the control valve 450 is as shown with referenceto FIG. 24A. The spring 448 is expanded to force the control shaft 440upward, as shown, so that the supply conduit 486 ishydraulically-coupled to the cylinder rod sub-chamber 471 through thecylinder conduit 473. The drain conduit 487 and the bowl-fill conduit489 are isolated, and not in hydraulic communication with any other partof the system.

The hydraulic communication between the supply and the rod sub-chamber471 of the cylinder is also shown schematically with reference to FIG.23B. The button 383 is up. The water under pressure fills the rodsub-chamber 471, driving the piston deeper into the cylinder. This, inturn, as shown with reference to FIG. 22, pulls on the cable 452, whichpulls the lifting arm to pivot around the pivot pins 481 a, 481 b, asdescribed above.

As shown in FIG. 22, as the piston moves downward and the lifting arm ispulled around the pivot pins, the bowl assembly tips up around the pivotshaft 481 a, 481 b (clockwise, as shown) and simultaneously spins aroundthe long axis of the axle 465 and diameter D that pass through the pivotpins. FIG. 22 shows an intermediate position, in phantom at B, when thediameter D of the bowl has tilted upward approximately 45° around thepivot axis, and 90° around its diameter, so that the surface 422**,which had been concave facing downward, is concave surface facinghorizontal, toward the reader of the page. As the piston travels furtherinto the cylinder, the diameter D of the bowl continues to tilt upward,until it is essentially vertical, as shown in phantom at C.Simultaneously, the bowl assembly has continued to spin around thisdiameter D, so that the surface 422** is now concave surface facing tothe right, and the originally upward facing surface 422* is now concavesurface facing to the left.

FIG. 23C shows the situation of the cylinder 484 when the piston reachesthe deepest extent of its travel into the chamber 470 and the bowl hascompletely tipped upward and flipped. The valve trigger 479 engages theshaft button 483 and presses it downward, so that the selecting shaft440 moves to the position shown with reference to FIG. 24B. In thisposition, the supply 486 is no longer coupled to the cylinder 471through the cylinder chamber 446 and the cylinder conduit 473. Rather,the supply is now coupled to the bowl-fill conduit 489, through thebowl-fill chamber 444. The cylinder is coupled to the drain 487, throughthe cylinder conduit 473 and the cylinder chamber 446.

Thus, water begins to pass, under pressure, through the bowl-fillconduit 489, from which it spouts out, into the air, and, eventually, asthe bowl returns to horizontal, as explained below, into the bowl 420,with the new bowl face 422** now concave surface facing upward. At thesame time, the cylinder chamber is now in communication with the drain487. The bowl assembly is no longer being pulled upward by the linkageunder pressure, and it begins to pivot downward under the influence ofgravity around the pivot shaft 481, in reverse of the direction that itrose. As the bowl returns to horizontal, it pulls on the linkage, whichpulls the piston upward, thus draining the upper, rod chamber 471 of thecylinder.

The button 483 and spool valve 440 are self energizing, by virtue of theself-energizing passage 490, so that they stay in the position shown inFIG. 24B until the pressure is removed even though the trigger is nolonger pushing on the button 483. This is because the pressure isprovided to the latch surface 492 of the spool value 440, which pressureis high enough to overcome the force from the deformed spring 448.

The return of the bowl is decoupled from the bevel gears by the one-wayclutch 476, so that as the bowl assembly returns to have its diameterhorizontal, the swinging axial bevel gear 456 also returns, and rotatesaround its axis, while meshing with the fixed bevel gear 458, but thebowl assembly 420, does not rotate around its axis, as it did when thebowl assembly rose. Thus the bowl assembly tilts downward withoutspinning around its axis.

The bowl is shown to be essentially vertical at the phantom rendition C,which corresponds to the piston position at the extreme of its travel.In such a case, it is beneficial to provide some agency to help initiatethe downward return of the bowls, because the vertical configuration maybe semi-stable. A suitable agency is a return spring, suitable locatedand coupled to the bowl assembly 420, or the lifting arm 480, forexample. Alternatively, the travel of the bowl assembly can be limitedso that it does not achieve full verticality. In that case, gravityacting upon the center of gravity of the bowl assembly initiates thedownward motion when force is no longer applied to the lifting arm 480through the cable. Water continues to run through the system, fillingthe bowl, until the user set duration expires, and a controller valveshuts off the water. By this time, enough time has transpired for thebowl to have been filled.

The cylinder should preferably not be closed for several reasons.Freezing is one reason. The cylinder has an opening 430, so that anywater that does collect in it will drain out, rather than filling andfreezing, or causing other problems. Another problem is that leakagepast the piston could fill the lower space 470 and eventually block thepiston—even if it were not frozen. The cylinders of the control valve450, which surround the ends of the spool valve 440, also each featurevent passages 494 and 496, for the same reasons.

Thus, another mechanism is disclosed that accomplishes emptying,flipping, and filling a dual faced bowl assembly with only a one valve,one cycle controller, that turns water on, provides it for apredetermined duration, and then turns it off.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 (discussed below) has only one actuator(piston 468), but couples that actuator to the bowl through a compoundlinkage that tips up the bowl so that a diameter moves from horizontalto near vertical, and simultaneously, as it is tipping upward, rotatesit around the diameter.

Alternately, rather than using a compound linkage, two independentactuators could be used, similar to as shown in FIG. 18. The bevel gearassembly can be replaced by a rotary actuator similar to 878 shown inFIG. 19B, and the two actuators can be operated in series, or inparallel, as discussed.

Kinetic Aesthetic

It will also be appreciated that the relatively inexpensive, reliableflipping of the bowls, and periodic spraying, or spouting of waterprovides independent aesthetic elements to a garden or yard design. Theform of the spouting water can be adjusted in a spray, or fan, orsheets, depending on artistic and aesthetic goals. The frequency of thebowl flip and fill can be increased to be of shorter duration than thatrequired to maintain the bowls free of contamination, to provide akinetic element to the yard and garden design. In fact, the designs canbe modified slightly, so that the water continuously spouts, andmaintains the bowls filled to overflowing at all times, while theflipping action occurs as required to maintain cleanliness. Multiplebowls can be provided in cascade arrangement, with some or all of themflipping as described.

Similarly, in the case of zoo animals, the kinetic and spouting featuresof the apparatus can be incorporated into a multitude of aestheticfeatures of animal habitats.

CONCLUDING SUMMARY

Many techniques and aspects of the inventions have been describedherein. The person skilled in the art will understand that many of thesetechniques can be used with other disclosed techniques, even if theyhave not been described as being used together. Thus, the fact that asub-combination of features that are described separately, may not bedescribed in sub-combination, does not mean that the inventors do notregard any such sub-combination as an invention that is disclosedherein.

For instance, any of the following techniques and features can be usedwith any of the others: allowing a bowl to dry out before refilling;preventing a bowl from remaining full long enough for contaminants andother undesirable elements to grow and adhere; a two-or-more-faced bowl;using two separate bowls alternately; flipping a two-faced bowl; dumpinga simple bowl; allowing a bowl to drain empty; mounting bowls on apedestal, or on or near the ground; providing a split-pedestal, such asa yoke, or a split-bowl to allow flipping through pedestal; manuallyoperating any of the foregoing; automatically operating any of theforgoing; driving an automatic apparatus using house water pressure, oran electric motor, or a combination thereof; controlling operation ofcomponents using a controller that triggers events based on timing, orsensors, or both, the timers including electronic, or mechanical timers,or any combination thereof; the sensors including dryness sensors, fluidlevel sensors, or any combination thereof; flipping a bowl throughslightly more than 90° to an unstable position, from which it falls to astable position in which a bowl is used; rotating the bowl under powerinto a proper position for the next fill; rotating a plural bowlconsistently in the same direction, or reversing direction; using gears,cranks, links etc., to form the transmission from a flipping powersource, to bowls to be flipped; using two bowls, or three or more; usingthe same source of liquid to both flip and fill bowls, or differentsources; a one button-push user interface to establish duration of bowlreplenishment; using a single cycle, one valve controller to controlbowl flip, fill and wait functions; additional user interface featuresrelating to layout and sequence of instructions; using a linear actuatorwhose linear motion is transduced into a rotary motion to rotate bowlsaround an axis; using a rotary actuator to rotate the bowls.

Some of the inventions disclosed herein are methods of maintaining abirdbath or animal water bowl free of contaminants or to minimize thepresence of contaminants. Other inventions disclosed herein areapparatus that can be used to maintain a birdbath free of contaminants,according to methods disclosed herein, or other methods, and can also beused without regard to whether contaminants are to be avoided or not.Certain of the apparatus are novel in their own right, whether or notthey are used in a manner to minimize the development of contaminants.For instance, the mechanisms shown to flip and fill plural bowls arenovel and inventive regardless of whether they are used in a manner thatminimizes contamination in a bowl. Other inventions disclosed herein areuser interfaces for enabling a human user to conveniently set up anautomatic bowl, as described, or a garden watering system. Thetechniques and apparatus described can also be used to minimizecontaminants in pet, farm and zoo water bowls and other containers.

More specifically, a method is disclosed herein for maintaining ananimal water bowl. The method comprises the steps of: providing a firstbowl, having a concave surface; providing the first bowl with water;allowing water to remain in the first bowl for use; at a time before anysignificant quantity of matter has become adhered to the first bowlsurface, removing substantially all of the water from the first bowl;drying the surface of the first bowl so that it is substantially dry;and repeating the steps of providing water, through drying, therebyenabling periodic use by an animal of the first bowl. The step of dryingthe first bowl surface may comprise allowing the first bowl to remainempty for a period of time sufficient for the surface of the first bowlto dry off so that it is substantially dry.

The method may further be practiced with two bowls, so that one bowl isalways available for use. Such method further comprises the steps of:providing a second bowl; providing the second bowl with water; allowingwater to remain in the second bowl for use; at a time before anysignificant quantity of matter has become adhered to the second bowl,removing substantially all of the water from the second bowl; drying thesecond bowl surface so that it is substantially dry; and repeating thesteps of providing water, through drying, regarding the second bowl,thereby enabling periodic use by an animal of the second bowl. Themethod further entails timing the steps of providing the first bowl withwater through drying the first bowl surface, relative to the steps ofproviding the second bowl with water through drying the second bowlsurface, such that at substantially all times, at least one of the firstand second bowls contains sufficient water for use by an animal.

The step of allowing water to remain in the first bowl for use may bebeneficially conducted substantially simultaneously with the step ofdrying the second bowl surface, such that the first bowl is availablefor use while the second bowl surface is drying, and likewise withallowing water to remain in the second bowl while the first is drying.

The bowls may be of a configuration suitable for birds to bathe in. Or,the bowls may be of a size and configuration suitable for a householdpet animal, such as a dog or a cat, to drink or eat from. Or, the bowlsmay be of a size and configuration suitable for a farm animal such as acow, pig, horse, sheep, goat or chicken to drink or eat from.

The water can be removed from the bowl by tilting the bowl, or bydraining the bowl through a port that has a removable closure. Thedrying step can be accomplished by hanging the bowl at an incline sothat it dries. The bowl may be secured to a fixture by a hinge, with thedrying step comprising releasing the hinge to hang the first bowl fromthe hinge with the concave surface, facing angled away from upward.

The first and second bowls may be a pair of back-to-back bowls, withtheir respective concave surfaces facing away from each other.

It is further possible for the first and second bowls to comprise two ofa plurality of bowls having a concave surface, the bowls arranged withtheir concave surfaces facing generally away from a common axis. Theplurality may be two or more, for instance, three, four or five.

With such a plurality, for example, for purposes of discussion, three,it is advantageous to arrange the bowls to rotate together about thecommon axis. The bowls are distributed around the axis, and areconfigured such that when one bowl has its concave surface facingupward, the combined three bowls with one filled, have a center ofgravity that is spaced laterally from the axis, such that if the bowlsare coupled to the axis free to rotate thereabout, and released torotate, the bowls will rotate together such that a second of the threebowls is brought to have its concave surface upward facing position, asthe first bowl tilts, and empties out any contained water. With such acombination, it is advantageous to provide the second bowl with waterafter the bowls have rotated together around the axis by an amountsufficient to advance the second bowl to a concave upward facingpositions. This offset center of gravity arrangement can be achievedwith two back-to-back facing bowls, or a plurality of three or morebowls.

A related embodiment disclosed herein is a method that uses two bowls.It comprises the steps of: providing a first bowl, having a concavesurface; providing the first bowl with water; allowing water to remainin the first bowl for animal use; at a time before any significantquantity of matter has become adhered to the first bowl surface,removing substantially all of the water from the first bowl; allowingthe first bowl to remain empty for a period of time sufficient for thesurface of the first bowl to dry off; and repeating the steps ofproviding water to the first bowl through allowing it to remain empty. Asecond bowl is provided, and the same steps of providing water toallowing the bowl to remain empty are conducted with respect to thesecond bowl. The steps regarding the first bowl of providing waterthrough allowing the first bowl surface to dry, are coordinated relativeto the same set of steps regarding the second bowl, such that atsubstantially all times, at least one of the first and second bowlscontains water for animal use.

The step of coordinating may be neatly accomplished by providing thefirst and second bowls as a back-to-back facing bowl assembly, such thatwhen the first bowl is concave surface facing upward, the second bowl isconcave facing downward, and vice versa. In such a case, the emptyingmay be accomplished by automatically flipping the bowl assembly with anactuating assembly. The actuating assembly can be powered by waterpressure, or electrical power, or any other suitable power. The bowlassembly can be automatically flipped using a timer.

Another embodiment disclosed herein is an animal water bowl apparatus,comprising: an axle, having an axis of elongation; and a bowl assembly,rotatable around the axis of elongation, comprising: a first bowl,having a concave surface, coupled to the axle; and a second bowl, havinga concave surface, arranged facing approximately 180° away from theconcave surface of the first bowl, both the first and second bowlscoupled to the axle to face away from and to rotate around the axis. Theapparatus further comprises: an actuator, having a rest configurationand a couple for coupling the actuator to a power supply; a transmissionthat couples the actuator to the bowl assembly, to rotate the bowlassembly in a first, flipping direction; and a stop, configured to stopthe bowl assembly from rotating more than approximately 180 degrees. Thetransmission comprises a one-way clutch that couples the actuator to thebowl assembly, so that: the clutch locks and transmits torque to thebowl assembly when the actuator moves from the rest configuration to aworking configuration and applies torque to rotate the bowl assembly inthe first, flipping direction; and the clutch slips and transmitsessentially no torque to the bowl assembly when the actuator moves fromthe working configuration to the rest configuration so that the bowlassembly is free to rotate relative to the clutch. The apparatus alsocomprises a return element, coupled to the actuator to return theactuator to the starting configuration.

The couple may be suitable for coupling to a hydraulic pressure supply,for instance, a building water pressure network, such as a home.

With a particular embodiment, the bowl assembly is further configured tocontinue to rotate in the first, flipping direction, after the bowlassembly has rotated slightly more than approximately 90 degrees.

The stop may comprise a cam assembly having a cam follower and a camsurface, configured to interfere with each other to prevent rotation ofthe bowl assembly beyond 180 degrees when no torque is transmitted bythe clutch. The stop may also comprise a spring loaded catch assembly.

If a cam assembly is used, a cam surface may comprise, a substantiallyplanar surface, and the cam follower may comprise two spaced apartbearing surfaces. The cam surface may comprise a U-shaped surfaceportion with two spaced apart substantially planar terminal surfaceportions on either side of the U-shaped portion. The cam follower maycomprise a roller cam with two spaced apart rollers. Or, it may comprisea sliding bearing with two spaced apart sliding follower posts.

Another embodiment of the water bowl assembly further comprises a linearbearing, coupled to a first end of the axle. The linear bearing isconfigured to permit the first end of the axle to translatesubstantially perpendicular to the axis. This embodiment also mayfurther have a loose rotary bearing, coupled to a second end of theaxle. The loose rotary bearing is configured to permit the first end ofthe axle to translate substantially perpendicular to the axis, while thesecond end of the axle remains translationally substantially stationary,relative to the axis. The loose bearing may also be referred to as awobbly bearing.

An embodiment of a water bowl has a transducer comprising a hydrauliccylinder and piston with a rod, coupled to a crank. The crank is coupledbetween the piston rod and the bowl assembly such that motion of thepiston rod relative to the cylinder rotates the bowl assembly around theaxis.

A water bowl may further comprise, coupled to the bowl assembly, a camassembly that is stable against rotation, in only two rotary positionsof the bowl assembly, each stable position corresponding to one of thetwo bowls being positioned concave surface facing upward. Such a camassembly and bowl assembly may be configured to fall freely, after thebowl assembly has rotated from a first stable configuration through anaction angle that is slightly greater than 90 degrees, to a second ofthe two stable configurations. The action angle may comprise betweenapproximately 91 degrees and approximately 110 degrees, and preferably,between approximately 95 degrees and approximately 100 degrees.

An embodiment of a water bowl may have a combined cam assembly and bowlassembly that are together characterized by a center of gravity,positioned such that as the bowl assembly rotates around the axisthrough an action angle of slightly greater than approximately 90degrees, the cam assembly pivots, and lifts the center of gravity untilthe center of gravity is above a first of its two ends, and offset fromvertical above the first of two ends in a direction that provides torqueto the bowl assembly to rotate it in the first direction.

A bowl assembly can comprise as the transducer a rotary hydraulicactuator, coupled to the bowl assembly, such that energization of therotary hydraulic actuator rotates the bowl assembly around the axis. Asuitable rotary hydraulic actuator may comprise: a vane, coupled to thebowl assembly; and a housing having a semi-cylindrical open chamber,having a hydraulic supply port and a hydraulic outlet port, spaced apartwithin the open chamber at least approximately 90°. The vane may beconfigured to travel from a first position adjacent the supply port,which corresponds to the rest configuration of the actuator, to a stop,beyond the outlet port, and then to return to the rest position. It isadvantageous for the outlet port to be coupled to a conduit arranged toconduct water into the water bowl after the bowl assembly has rotatedthrough the approximately 180°.

Also disclosed herein is a bowl assembly, comprising: a plurality of atleast two bowls, each having a concave surface, the bowls arranged withtheir concave surfaces facing generally away from an axis; a couple thatcouples the bowls rotatably to an axle arranged so that the bowls rotatetogether about the common axis, and a releasable catch, which, whenengaged, restrains the plurality of bowls in a fixed rotationalposition, with one of the bowls concave surface facing upward. The bowlsare further configured and arranged, such that when one bowl is concavesurface facing upward, the other at least one bowls are distributedaround the axis, such that when the upward facing bowl contains water,the combined bowls have a center of gravity that is spaced laterallyfrom the axis, such that when the catch releases the bowls, allowingthem to rotate about the axis, the bowls rotate together such that asecond bowl is brought to a concave surface upward facing position, asthe first bowl tilts, and empties out the contained water. The pluralitymay be two, three, four, five or more bowls. The catch may be a springloaded pin catch, a cam surface and a cam follower assembly, or anyother suitable catch.

An animal water bowl is further disclosed, comprising: an axle, havingan axis of elongation; and a bowl assembly, rotatable around the axis ofelongation. The bowl assembly comprises: a first bowl, having a concavesurface, coupled to the axle; a second bowl, arranged facingapproximately 180° away from the first bowl, both bowls coupled to theaxle to face away from and to rotate around the axis. A couple isconfigured to couple a power supply to an actuator. The actuator has arest configuration. A transmission couples the actuator to the bowlassembly. The transmission is configured to: tip a first end of the axleupward, relative to a second end of the axle, such that the axle and thebowl assembly moves from a substantially horizontal rest position thatcorresponds to the rest configuration of the actuator, toward a morevertical position; rotate the bowl assembly around the axis, such thatthe first bowl surface moves from concave surface facing upward, toconcave surface facing downward; and tip the first end of the axledownward, relative to the second end of the axle, such that the bowlassembly and the axle moves from the more vertical position back to thesubstantially horizontal rest position.

The transmission may be configured to rotate the bowl assembly aroundthe axis at the same time as the transmission tips the first end of theaxle upward. Or it may be configured to rotate the bowl assembly aroundthe axis after the time that the transmission tips the first end of theaxle upward.

With the serial version, the actuator has a range of travel from therest configuration to an intermediate configuration. It is coupled tothe transmission such that as the actuator moves to the intermediateconfiguration, the transmission tips the first end of the axle upward.The assembly further comprises a switch that is switched when theactuator reaches the intermediate configuration to conduct power to asecond actuator that is part of the transmission, and which, whenactuated, rotates the bowl assembly around the axis.

When used with a hydraulic system, an appropriate couple is one suitablefor coupling the actuator to a pressurized water supply, the switchcomprising a hydraulic valve, and both the first and second actuatorscomprising hydraulic actuators.

Or, the couple may be one suitable for coupling to an electric powersupply.

A specific embodiment may have a transmission comprising a bell crankcoupled at a first end to the actuator, and at a second end to the bowlassembly, such that the bowl assembly tips upward as the crank pivotsaround a pivot axis. The transmission may comprise a gear assembly, forinstance, a bevel gear assembly, coupled to the axle, such that as theaxle tips upward, gears of the gear assembly interact and causes thebowl assembly to rotate about the axle axis.

In many embodiments, the transmission further comprises a one-wayclutch, coupling the bowl assembly and the actuator, such that after thebowl assembly has begun to tip downward, and as the actuator returns tothe rest configuration, the clutch slips and the bowl assembly remainsrotated with the first bowl surface concave surface facing downward.

Stated alternatively, the transmission may further comprise a one wayclutch, coupling the bowl assembly and the actuator such that the clutchlocks to prevent rotation of the bowl assembly in a first directionrelative to the actuator, and slips to permit rotation of the bowlassembly in a second direction relative to the actuator.

The actuator may advantageously comprise a hydraulic cylinder and pistonassembly. The hydraulic cylinder may be arranged such that the pistontravels along a path that is between horizontal and 45° to horizontal,or, between vertical and 45° to vertical. A bowl water supply port isprovided for filling the bowl with water. Such a supply port can be abowl fill outlet within a piston cylinder arranged to direct water intoa concave upward facing bowl surface. A control valve, can be providedand configured to direct water to the cylinder to actuate thetransmission and rotate the bowl assembly, and also to direct water tothe bowl fill outlet, which directs water to fill the concave upwardfacing bowl of the bowl assembly. The control valve can be configured toconduct water from a supply first to the cylinder and subsequently toblock water to the cylinder and instead to direct water from the supplyto the bowl fill outlet. It may constitute a self-latching valve,specifically, a spool valve.

An overall controller is typically provided. It may comprise: a durationmemory element; a period timer; and a power on/off switch, coupled tothe period timer to turn on water to the actuator at periodic times, tomaintain the water provided for a duration of time embodied in theduration memory element and to cut off water after the duration hasexpired. The duration memory element embodies a duration that issufficient to empty the bowl of water by rotating the bowl assemblyabout the axis approximately 180°, to return it to a rest position andto provide the concave upward facing bowl with water for the animal use.The duration memory element may be electronic, or mechanical, orelectromechanical. It preferably comprises an element in which theduration is settable by explicitly activating the power on/off switch toturn on the hydraulic power to the actuator, and then explicitlyactivating the on/off switch to turn off the hydraulic power to theactuator, after the actuator has rotated the bowl about the axisapproximately 180°and after the concave upward facing bowl has beenprovided with sufficient water for the animal use.

Also disclosed herein is a bowl assembly further comprising acontroller, a period timer, a duration memory element, and a poweron/off switch, wherein the duration memory element embodies a durationthat is settable by explicitly activating the power on/off switch toturn on the hydraulic power to the actuator, waiting for the actuator torotate the bowl around the axis approximately 180° and waiting for theconcave upward facing bowl to be provided with sufficient water for theanimal use, and then explicitly activating the on/off switch to turn offthe hydraulic power to the actuator. The duration is equal to the totalduration to rotate the bowl and to provide sufficient water. Theduration memory element is set with the duration as a result of theexplicit activations of the power on/off switch, and the power on/offswitch further is coupled to the periodic timer and the duration memoryelement, to turn power on at periodic times and to maintain the power onfor the duration, and no longer.

With all embodiments disclosed herein, the configuration can be suitablefor animal use including, bird bathing, domestic pet animal watering,and farm animal watering.

A related embodiment disclosed herein is a user interface for an animalwater bowl comprising: a water supply inlet; a water supply outlet; anda valve that couples the water supply inlet to the water supply outlet.The interface also includes: a period timer memory; a duration memoryelement; a user duration set switch; and a controller that is coupled tothe user duration set switch. The valve, period timer memory theduration memory element, and the controller are operative to: set theduration memory element to a duration equal to a duration that a usermaintains the user input switch in a duration set configuration; openthe valve to connect the water supply inlet to the water supply outletat periodic times stored by the period timer memory; maintain the valveopen for the duration set on the duration memory element; and close thevalve at the expiration of the duration.

The user duration set switch of such an interface may comprise a buttonthat has a rest position and an activation position, and that requiresthe application of continuous force to stay in the activation position.Or, it may be a switch that has an on position and an off position, andthat requires an explicit user action to move the switch from the offposition to the on position and from the on position to the offposition.

The user interface may further comprise a period indicator, that isselectably movable between a plurality of positions, each of whichcorrelates to a different period of time, and is differentiable from theothers, the controller being coupled to set the period timer memory tothe period of time indicated by the period indicator.

The user interface, further may comprise: a faucet fitting; a conduithaving an inlet, coupled to the faucet fitting and two outlets, one ofwhich is coupled to the water supply inlet; a hose fitting coupled tothe other of the two conduit outlets; and a valve, situated within theconduit. The valve is arranged such that when set to a firstconfiguration, the faucet fitting is hydraulically coupled to both thehose fitting and the water supply inlet, and when set to a secondconfiguration, the faucet fitting is hydraulically coupled only to thewater supply inlet and not to the hose fitting.

With a slightly different focus, also disclosed herein is a bowl system,comprising: a bowl assembly, having a body portion and two oppositelyfacing bowl surfaces, each bowl having a concave surface that faces awayfrom the concave surface of the other bowl by approximately 180°, thebowl assembly characterized by a center of gravity; an axle, having anaxis of elongation; and a one way clutch. The clutch is coupled to theaxle and to the bowl assembly such that: forcing the axle to rotate in afirst direction, relative to the bowl assembly, locks the clutch andtorque is transmitted from the axle through the clutch to the bowlassembly, such that the bowl assembly is also forced to rotate in thefirst direction; and forcing the axle to rotate opposite the firstdirection slips the clutch, and essentially no torque is transmittedfrom the axle, through the clutch, to the bowl assembly. The bowlassembly also includes a cam assembly comprising: a cam followerelement, coupled to rotate with the bowl assembly around the axle, thecam follower element having a first bearing region and a second bearingregion; and a cam surface that remains fixed relative to the rotation ofthe bowl assembly. The cam surface is shaped, and the cam followers arearranged, such that: during rotation of the bowl assembly in the firstdirection from an orientation with one of the bowls concave surfacefacing upward, gravity acts on the center of gravity to apply a torqueupon the bowl assembly opposite the first direction; rotation of theaxle in the first direction forces the bowl assembly to rotate with theaxle, and forces a first of the cam follower bearing regions to movealong the cam surface, such that the center of gravity of the bowlassembly rises to a maximum height, while being supported in part by thefirst of the follower bearing regions resting upon the cam surface, andin part by the axle, through the clutch; and further rotation of theaxle in the first direction causes the bowl assembly to rotate, suchthat the center of gravity moves beyond a point where gravity pulls thebowl assembly to rotate in the first direction, to a point where theclutch slips, the bowl assembly is no longer supported by the axle, andthe center of gravity of the bowl assembly and cam assembly falls untilboth the bearing regions rest upon the cam surface.

The first and second cam bearing surfaces may each comprise acylindrical surface, which may be either a roller, or a non-rollingelement. If non-rolling, the cam bearing surfaces may comprisecylindrical end surfaces of a unitary oblong bearing element.

The bowl assembly may further comprise a linear bearing, adjacent thecam follower element, coupled to the axle so that the axle can translatevertically at one end.

A hydraulically powered water bowl assembly for animal use is disclosed.The bowl assembly comprises: a bowl assembly support; an assembly of atleast two bowls, each bowl having a concave surface, the concavesurfaces arranged to face generally away from each other, the bowlassembly supported by the support. There is also a couple suitable tocouple to a supply of pressurized water, the couple comprising only oneoutput valve. A user input device, has a dual position on/off controlelement, which is settable by a user to an on position for a duration,and then settable to an off position. A controller is coupled to theuser input device. The controller has a duration memory element thatmaintains memory of the duration, based on a duration that a user setsthe control to the on position, and which is coupled to the output valveand is operative to maintain the output valve open for the duration. Ahydraulic actuator is coupled to the water output valve and to atransmission that is coupled to the bowl assembly. The actuator and thetransmission are configured to operate during the duration under powerof water from the output valve, to move the bowl assembly such that afirst bowl concave surface is moved from facing upward to facing notupward, so that any contained water is poured out, and such that asecond bowl concave surface is moved from facing not upward to facingupward, and further such that the second bowl concave surface is filledwith water, also from the output valve.

Yet another embodiment disclosed herein is an animal water bowlcomprising: a bowl assembly, having a body portion and two oppositelyfacing bowls, each bowl having a concave surface that faces away fromthe concave surface of the other bowl at approximately 180°; a supportconfigured to support the bowl assembly with a first of the bowlsurfaces facing upward, capable of holding water, and the second of thebowl surfaces facing downward, such that substantially no water remainsin the second bowl surface and the second bowl surface can dry; and abowl retainer, configured to couple the bowl assembly to the supportsuch that the bowl assembly is releasably retained with a first of thesurfaces facing upward for a period of time, and subsequently releasableand releasably retained with the second of the surfaces facing upwardfor a period of time.

The bowl retainer may comprise an axle that rotatably couples the bowlassembly to the support. Or the bowl retainer may comprise matinggeometries on the bowl assembly and the support that releasably engageeach other and prevent lateral movement of the bowl assembly relative tothe support. For instance, either the concave surface, or the supportmay comprise a concave surface that mates with a post in the other.

The water bowl may also comprise a releasable stop that releasably stopsthe bowl assembly at two positions that are approximately 180° apartfrom each other, each position characterized by a different one of thesurfaces facing upward, and the other of the surfaces facing downward.

The water bowl as described immediately above, may further comprise: anactuator, coupled to the bowl assembly to move the bowl assembly from anorientation with a first of the surfaces facing upward to an orientationwith the second of the surfaces facing upward and then to an orientationwith the first of the surfaces facing upward; and a controller, coupledto the actuator, configured to couple the actuator to a source of powerat periodic times The controller is coupled to automatically: move thebowl assembly from the orientation with the first of the surfaces facingupward to the orientation with the second of the surfaces facing upward;and maintain the bowl assembly with the first of the surfaces facingupward for a duration of time.

The controller is very advantageously configured to couple the actuatorto the source of power without human intervention, after human operatorset up.

The water bowl may further include: a couple to couple the controller toa source of water; a conduit coupled to the controller, the conduitarranged to direct water into an upward facing surface; and a valvecoupled to the controller, the controller operative to cause the valveto open at periodic times, for the duration, thereby coupling the sourceof water to the conduit, and through the conduit, to the upward facingsurface. The controller is configured to couple the actuator to thesource of power, typically pressurized water, and to open and close thevalve, without human intervention, after human operator set up.

This disclosure describes and discloses more than one invention. Theinventions are set forth in the claims of this and related documents,not only as filed, but also as developed during prosecution of anypatent application based on this disclosure. The inventors intend toclaim the various inventions to the limits permitted by the prior art,as it is subsequently determined to be. No feature described herein isessential to each invention disclosed herein. Thus, the inventors intendthat no features described herein, but not claimed in any particularclaim of any patent based on this disclosure, should be incorporatedinto any such claim.

An abstract is submitted herewith. It is emphasized that this abstractis being provided to comply with the rule requiring an abstract thatwill allow examiners and other searchers to quickly ascertain thesubject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims, as promised by the Patent Office's rule.

The foregoing discussion should be understood as illustrative and shouldnot be considered to be limiting in any sense. While the inventions havebeen particularly shown and described with references to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined by theclaims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

1. A method for maintaining an animal water bowl, said method,comprising the steps of: a. providing a first bowl, having a concavesurface; b. providing said first bowl with water; c. allowing water toremain in said first bowl for use; d. at a time before any significantquantity of matter has become adhered to said first bowl surface,removing substantially all of said water from said first bowl; e. dryingsaid surface of said first bowl by allowing said first bowl to remainempty for a period of time sufficient for said surface of said firstbowl to dry off so that it is substantially dry; f. repeating said stepsb, providing water, through e, drying, thereby enabling periodic use byan animal of said first bowl; g. further comprising the steps of: i.providing a second bowl, having a concave surface; ii. providing saidsecond bowl with water; iii. allowing water to remain in said secondbowl for use; iv. at a time before any significant quantity of matterhas become adhered to said second bowl surface, removing substantiallyall of said water from said second bowl; v. drying said second bowlsurface so that it is substantially dry; and vi. repeating said steps,ii, providing water, through v, drying, regarding said second bowl,thereby enabling periodic use by an animal of said second bowl; h.timing said steps: b, providing said first bowl with water through e,drying said first bowl surface, relative to said sub-steps g. ii.,providing said second bowl with water through q. v., drying said secondbowl surface, such that at substantially all times, at least one of saidfirst and second bowls contains sufficient water for use by an animal.2. The method of claim 1, said bowls being of a configuration suitablefor birds to bathe in.
 3. The method of claim 1, said bowls being of asize and configuration suitable for a household pet animal selected fromthe group consisting of: dog and cat, to drink water from.
 4. The methodof claim 1, said bowls being of a size and configuration suitable for afarm animal selected from the group consisting of: cow, pig, horse,sheep, goat and chicken to drink water from.
 5. The method of claim 1,said step of removing said water from said first bowl, comprisingtilting said first bowl enough to pour out said water.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, said step of removing said water from said first bowlcomprising opening a port in said first bowl located such that whenopened, water empties out through said port.
 7. The method of claim 1,said step of drying comprising hanging said first bowl at an incline,such that said first bowl drains and said first bowl surface dries. 8.The method of claim 1, said first bowl being secured to a fixture by ahinge, with said concave surface facing upward, said step of dryingcomprising releasing said hinge to hang said first bowl from said hingewith said concave surface, facing angled away from upward.
 9. The methodof claim 1, said first and second bowls comprising a pair ofback-to-back bowls, with their respective concave surfaces facing awayfrom each other.
 10. The method of claim 1, said step of allowing waterto remain in said first bowl for use being conducted substantiallysimultaneously with said step of drying said second bowl surface, suchthat said first bowl is available for use while said second bowl surfaceis drying.
 11. The method of claim 10, said step of allowing water toremain in said second bowl for use being conducted substantiallysimultaneously with said step of drying said first bowl surface suchthat said second bowl is available for use while said first bowl surfaceis drying.